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Liverpool Deal to Sign Defender Giovanni Leoni
Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma for approximately £35 million (€35 million), aiming to strengthen their defensive options under manager Arne Slot. Leoni, a teenage centre-back, is expected to sign a six-year contract running until 2031 with the Premier League champions.
This transfer is separate from Liverpool's other defensive pursuit involving Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. The deal for Leoni reportedly includes an initial €30 million fee plus up to €5 million in bonuses, demonstrating Parma’s valuation of the promising young player.
The move has been widely praised, with legendary Italian manager Arrigo Sacchi endorsing Liverpool’s acquisition of Leoni and suggesting that the defender could become a future cornerstone for the Italian national team. The signing aligns well with Arne Slot’s goal to reinforce Liverpool’s defense ahead of upcoming challenges in the season.
In related transfer news, Liverpool is also monitoring Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who has attracted interest from top European clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Manchester United. Wharton, 21, has been a key figure for Crystal Palace since joining from Blackburn Rovers in 2024, though the deal with Leoni remains the immediate priority for Liverpool’s defensive strategy.
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