Liverpool’s summer spending shows no sign of slowing, with the club confirming the arrival of highly rated Italian centre-back Giovanni Leoni from Parma. The £26 million deal is another sign that the Reds are serious about not just rebuilding, but defending their Premier League crown in a season that’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
At just 18, Leoni is a name that’s been gathering momentum in European football circles. His composed performances in Serie A last season caught the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, but Liverpool moved quickly to secure his signature, fending off strong competition from Italy and the Premier League alike.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Leoni was far from straightforward. The teenager’s breakthrough at Parma under Cristian Chivu made him a sought-after commodity, with Inter Milan and AC Milan both keen on bringing him in. Newcastle United also lodged an unsuccessful bid, but the defender was convinced that Anfield offered the clearest route to top-level football.
A key factor in the deal was Liverpool’s refusal to loan Leoni back to Parma — a request made by the Italian club during negotiations. Manager Arne Slot wanted defensive reinforcements immediately, especially after Jarell Quansah’s departure to Bayer Leverkusen left the squad short at the back. The plan is to integrate Leoni into the first-team environment right away, giving him valuable experience in domestic cups and possibly the Champions League, depending on Liverpool’s draw.
While Leoni is being brought in with the future in mind, there’s confidence he could step into Premier League action if injuries strike. The young defender proved in Serie A that he can handle physically dominant forwards, standing his ground against some of the league’s toughest strikers. That blend of maturity and adaptability is exactly what Liverpool have been searching for after missing out on several centre-back targets in recent transfer windows.
This move is part of a broader defensive succession plan. Virgil van Dijk, now 34, recently extended his stay at Anfield by two years, but the club is already preparing for the day when their captain eventually steps aside. Liverpool are also working to tie Ibrahima Konaté down to a new deal amid interest from Real Madrid, while Joe Gomez’s return to full fitness adds valuable depth.
The Reds aren’t done shopping, either. Talks are ongoing with Crystal Palace over Marc Guehi, though the South London club is reluctant to sell. With Guehi reportedly keen on the move and only a year left on his contract, Liverpool may bide their time rather than overspend — especially now that Leoni is on board.