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Liverpool fans had a day of excitement on Friday, as a new signing was followed up with a first Premier League win of the season.
The Reds have been busy in the transfer window this summer, but had still looked short at centre-back.
Thankfully, that issue was partially resolved on Friday, when Giovanni Leoni was announced as Liverpool‘s latest addition.
Leoni looks like a fantastic signing, with the 18-year-old already developing a big reputation as a talented young defender.
Having put pen to paper on a reported six-year contract with the Reds, Leoni visited Anfield to see Liverpool beat Bournemouth 4-2 in a rollercoaster Premier League encounter.
There, the teenager met his adoring new crowd, and just ahead of that rendezvous, Leoni let Liverpool fans know what they can call him if they see him out and about in the city.
Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool fans may have to be patient to see Leoni in action.
It cannot be forgotten that he is only 18 after all.
Nevertheless, there is rightfully excitement over the capture, with the Reds not used to getting the better of Serie A teams for top Italian talents.
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Leoni is certainly that, having broken onto the scene at Parma last term, after spells with Padova in Serie C and Sampdoria in the Serie B.
The centre-back will be loved instantly for choosing Liverpool over the big Italian sides, and supporters have been told what to affectionately call their new man.
READ MORE: All six Italians to ever play for Liverpool as Giovanni Leoni aims to break bizarre Reds curse
Asked to explain his nickname – ‘Leoncino’ – during his first interview with LFCTV, Leoni said Reds fans are welcome to use it.
“It’s the little lion, because my first mister [manager] he called me like this,” said the No.
“Now, again he called me Leoncino.” Can Liverpool fans call him that?
“If they want, yes.”
Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall, the ‘little lion’ reads as something of an ironic nickname for Leoni.
Either way, Liverpool’s fans will no doubt take the young man to their hearts as he grows and develops with the Reds.
Leoni will do so wearing the No.
But, explaining his decision to Liverpool’s official X account, the Italy youth international says it is simply the shirt he has always worn.
“I chose the number 15 because when I debuted as a pro I had this and I wanted to keep it with me,” Leoni explained.
With players such as Daniel Sturridge and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain having won big accolades wearing the number, Leoncino has plenty to live up to.
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