Liverpool have officially signed 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma for a fee of £26 million plus add-ons, marking the club's sixth major signing of the summer and pushing their total transfer spend above £300 million this window. Leoni has committed to a six-year contract with the Premier League champions and will join the first-team squad immediately, with no loan moves planned.
Leoni emerged as a highly coveted talent during the 2024-25 Serie A season, where he made 14 league starts for Parma. He initially started the campaign on the bench but secured a regular first-team place by Christmas, playing a key role in solidifying Parma’s defense and helping the team avoid relegation. Liverpool competed against several elite Italian and Premier League clubs to secure his signature, but Leoni was determined to join manager Arne Slot’s squad.

The signing addresses Liverpool’s need for defensive reinforcements, particularly with Ibrahima Konate nearing the final year of his contract. Leoni’s addition is expected to strengthen Liverpool’s backline as they seek to maintain their competitive edge in the Premier League. He is also an Italy youth international and is considered ready to adapt to the challenges of top-flight English football without requiring a transition loan.
Liverpool’s summer spending includes significant sales, recouping over £200 million by transferring players such as Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Jarell Quansah. The club is also reported to be pursuing Newcastle's Alexander Isak, a deal which could further increase their overall expenditure. Leoni is set to participate in Liverpool’s season opener at Anfield against Bournemouth, showcasing the club’s confidence in his immediate impact.