Liverpool boss Arne Slot has confirmed that a deal is in place for Parma defender Giovanni Leoni.

The 18-year-old set to undergo his medical today ahead of a £26 million move.

Fabrizio Romano reported the agreement had reached the “here we go” stage late on Wednesday, with all documents signed off and Liverpool authorising Leoni’s flight for tests.

Arne Slot addressed the move in his pre-Bournemouth press conference.

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“The clubs have agreed a deal but he hasn’t signed.

The moment he signs I can go into more detail,” Slot explained.

Leoni will join Liverpool’s first-team squad immediately rather than heading out on loan, underlining the club’s belief in his readiness to compete at the top level.

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Born in Rome, Leoni began his career with Padova and made his professional debut in Serie C at just 16 years and three months old, the youngest professional player in Italy that season.

His rise since then has been rapid.

After a loan spell at Sampdoria in early 2024, the club made the move permanent for €1.5 million.

Just two months later, Parma swooped in for €4 million.

Last season, Leoni made 17 Serie A appearances, 14 of them starts, as Parma finished 16th.

Despite having just 33 senior appearances to his name, Liverpool’s £26 million investment signals their confidence in his potential, with the fee averaging around £500,000 per Serie A appearance.

Leoni is expected to complete his medical today and once officially signed, will link up with Slot’s squad as the Reds prepare for their Premier League campaign.

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