Liverpool have moved a step closer to finalising their latest summer signing, with Giovanni Leoni reportedly completing the main part of his medical and putting pen to paper on a six-year deal, as per Fabrizio Romano.

The 18-year-old defender joins from Serie A side Parma, with the official announcement expected later this week.

The move marks a slight change in Liverpool’s contract approach, with Leoni joining Hugo Ekitike as one of the few players to receive a deal until 2031.

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Most of the Reds’ recent arrivals have signed for five years, but this extended term shows how highly the club rates the young Italian.

Leoni’s signing comes at a busy time for Arne Slot’s squad.

The Reds kick off their Premier League title defense on Friday night at Anfield against Bournemouth, just days after the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace.

While fans are eager to see new arrivals like Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong in league action, it’s the continued activity in the transfer market that is grabbing headlines.

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Speaking to Sky Sports, Slot confirmed that a deal for Leoni had been agreed with Parma but kept his cards close to his chest on other targets.

For now, the Leoni deal shows the Reds are still playing in both halves — strengthening the defense while plotting moves for more attacking firepower.

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