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Liverpool has agreed a deal to sign 18-year-old Italian defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma for around £26 million plus add-ons, marking a significant move to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the 2025-26 season. The transfer was finalized after Liverpool fended off competition from top Italian clubs and Premier League teams, with Leoni expressing a clear preference to join Liverpool. The young defender, who will immediately join Liverpool's first-team setup, has demonstrated considerable potential despite limited top-flight experience, having played 17 matches and establishing himself as a key player for Parma, especially in the latter half of the 2024-25 Serie A season under coach Cristian Chivu.

Leoni’s playing style reveals some areas in need of development, particularly in acceleration and agility, but his overall defensive capabilities and composure on the ball have convinced Liverpool to act quickly. The club views him as a long-term investment who fits their tactical system, especially considering their full-backs' attacking tendencies that require center-backs with strong positional sense and technical refinement. His transfer fee and swift integration signify Liverpool's strategic focus on securing promising young talents to bolster the squad alongside recent high-profile attacking signings.

This signing addresses the need for defensive reinforcements at Anfield, especially with existing center-back Ibrahima Konaté entering the final year of his contract. Liverpool's pursuit of Leoni also reflects the financial challenges faced by Italian clubs, which have struggled to retain young talents amid rising transfer fees. By contrast, Liverpool's proactive approach showcases their ambition to sustain competitive defensive depth and youth development as part of their broader plan following their Premier League title success.

In parallel transfer news, there is interest in strengthening other positions, including potential moves for Crystal Palace's Marc Guéhi to enhance defensive options further as well as considerations about attacking players such as Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz.

PP