(Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media)

Edward Bazeley

Thu 14 August 2025 13:53, UK

Giovanni Leoni is closing in on his move to Liverpool after excelling for Parma in Serie A last season.

Why Giovanni Leoni isn't allowed to make Liverpool debut vs Bournemouth	Liverpool make bid to sign Giovanni Leoni	Liverpool could sign Marc Guehi AND Giovanni Leoni before transfer window closes

The Reds have staved off interest from Manchester United and Newcastle in Leoni to land the 18-year-old’s signature.

Meanwhile, the defending Premier League champions face Bournemouth in the opening game of the new top-flight season on Friday, 15 August.

Last time out against the Cherries, Liverpool enjoyed a 2-0 win in February, and Arne Slot will be hoping for more of the same.

Slot and Liverpool are close to signing Leoni (Credit: Imago)

Liverpool’s Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace witnessed summer signings Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez making their senior debuts for Slot’s men.

However, the Anfield faithful will have to wait a little longer to see Leoni in Premier League action.

As reported by the Liverpool Echo’s Theo Squires via X on Thursday, 14 August: “Giovanni Leoni would have been needed to be registered by midday today to be eligible to make his LFC debut against Bournemouth on Friday night.”

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Therefore, the defender will not be able to play for the Merseyside outfit until they visit Newcastle on 25 August at the earliest.

Football Insider verdict

One of the most remarkable aspects of Liverpool’s Premier League triumph last term was that Slot’s title-winning squad was almost entirely compiled by predecessor Jurgen Klopp.

The Dutchman’s only signing last summer was Federico Chiesa, who went on to make just one top-flight start for the North West club.

Consequently, Chiesa could leave Liverpool this summer as Slot continues to refresh his squad in preparation for the upcoming season.

Giovanni Leoni statsSerie A 2024/25Appearances17Goals1Assists0Leoni impressed at Parma last term

The Reds have made notable additions all over the pitch, from striker Ekitike to fullback duo Kerkez and Frimpong, who previously excelled at Bournemouth and Bayer Leverkusen, respectively.

Leoni’s arrival as another centre-back option sees Slot putting yet another stamp on his growing influence at Anfield.

But the most exciting addition could still be yet to come, amid the transfer saga between Liverpool and Newcastle over Sweden striker Alexander Isak.

Meanwhile, the Anfield giants have been backed to sign Marc Guehi in a Liverpool News 247 exclusive.

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