Liverpool’s £26m ‘lynchpin’ set for eagerly anticipated Reds debut in Carabao Cup clash
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Liverpool FC are preparing to potentially hand Giovanni Leoni his debut against Southampton following his recent signing from Parma. The 18-year-old Italian defender joined the Premier League champions on a long-term contract after an impressive breakthrough season in Serie A, where he made 17 appearances and scored once for Parma in the 2024-25 campaign.
Leoni began his senior career very young, making his professional debut for Padova in Serie C just after turning 16. Following a loan spell at Sampdoria in Serie B, he secured a permanent move to Parma in Serie A. Standing 6ft 4in tall, he has also earned several caps for Italy’s U19 national side.
Liverpool secured the transfer for a reported £26 million fee and rejected the idea of loaning him out immediately, signaling their intention to integrate him within the first team during this season. This move comes amid Liverpool’s focus on strengthening their defense, especially with Ibrahima Konate entering the final year of his contract.
Giovanni Leoni has shown solid defensive abilities but is noted for lacking top-end pace and agility, traits Liverpool will seek to develop through coaching and experience at the Premier League level. The club believes he can adapt to their tactical demands, especially with full-backs who tend to play very high up the pitch requiring strong central defenders to cover.
Leoni expressed enthusiasm about joining Liverpool, looking forward to improving in training and competing in top competitions like the Premier League and Champions League. Wearing the No.15 shirt, he planned to watch the upcoming match against Bournemouth at Anfield before embarking on his new challenge.
PP