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Liverpool is close to finalizing a transfer deal to sign 18-year-old Italian center-back Giovanni Leoni from Parma, with the fee reported to be around €35 million (approximately £26 million). The agreement includes no loan option; Leoni is set to join Liverpool immediately as part of manager Arne Slot’s plans to strengthen his defensive lineup. The deal reportedly features a sell-on clause benefiting Parma. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Leoni wanted to join Liverpool and that the club never needed to convince him otherwise.

The transfer is expected to be finalized with Leoni signing a six-year contract, which could keep him at Liverpool until 2031, demonstrating the club’s long-term commitment to the young defender. Parma was seeking an initial fee of €30 million plus €5 million in add-ons, which Liverpool agreed to meet. The move is seen as a significant investment in reinforcing the club’s defense for upcoming seasons.

This target has also been highlighted by Paul Gorst of the Liverpool Echo and transfer insiders, who report that Liverpool is on the brink of officially announcing the acquisition. The transfer marks an important step for Liverpool, as they look to secure promising young talents to bolster their squad depth and future prospects under their current management.

The signing has generated excitement among Liverpool fans and media, with anticipation high for Leoni's integration into the team and his development in the Premier League.

PP