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Giovanni Leoni Transfer to Liverpool Agreed for £26m

Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign the 18-year-old Italian defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma for a fee reported at £26 million (€35 million) plus add-ons. The deal was finalized late on Wednesday night, with Leoni now permitted to travel to Liverpool to undergo a medical and agree personal terms, expected to begin on Thursday.

The transfer sees Liverpool fend off competition from several elite Italian clubs and Premier League sides, with the player expressing a clear preference to move to the Reds. Contrary to some rumours, Leoni will join Liverpool's first team immediately, with no loan move planned for the upcoming season. This signing is part of Liverpool manager Arne Slot's strategy to strengthen the defensive lineup, especially as center-back Ibrahima Konate approaches the final year of his contract at Anfield.

Leoni’s acquisition is seen as a significant reinforcement in Liverpool's defense for the 2025-26 campaign, cementing the club's commitment to investing in young talent for long-term success.

Additional Context

• Leoni is set to sign a six-year contract with Liverpool, which will run until 2031.
• Parma reportedly valued the defender with an initial €30 million fee plus €5 million in potential bonuses.
• The player’s preference for Liverpool helped expedite the deal, with no negotiations about loaning him out after the transfer.
• The transfer news was reported and confirmed by multiple sources, including Sky Sports, ESPN, and expert journalists on the subject.

This signing reflects Liverpool’s focused effort to bolster their defense and maintain competitive strength ahead of a demanding season, showcasing proactive transfer market activity under Arne Slot's management.

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PP