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Search Liverpool have signed 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma in a deal worth 26 million, but he will have to wait for his debut after missing the Bournemouth game.

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Liverpool have signed Giovanni Leoni for £26m.

(Image: Getty)

Giovanni Leoni, Liverpool's new signing from Parma, was in attendance for the Reds' Premier League opener against Bournemouth, but fans will have to wait to see him make his debut.

The 18-year-old completed his £26million move on Friday, hours before the 4-2 win at Anfield.

Despite being at the start of his career, the highly-rated centre-back is seen as a potential competitor for a starting spot alongside Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez.

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Following Gomez's injury in pre-season, which left Arne Slot with only two recognised options in the Dutch and French internationals, Liverpool found themselves in need of defensive reinforcements.

Jarell Quansah was one of the players who left Liverpool this summer, with Bayer Leverkusen securing his services after an impressive performance at the European Championships for the under-21s.

Liverpool finalised a deal for Leoni, subject to international clearance and a successful work permit application.

However, his registration arrived too late for him to be considered for the match against Bournemouth on Friday night.

The Premier League champions face a challenging start to their title defence, with high-profile clashes against Newcastle United and Arsenal scheduled before September begins.

Leoni will be eager to make his first appearance before the league season pauses for the international break at the start of September.

Having already made seven appearances for Italy's Under-19s, Leoni will be aiming to progress to the Under-21s and eventually the senior squad.

Leoni, could make his debut in the Carabao Cup.

(Image: Getty)

The Champions League is also due to kick off between September 16 and 18, which could see Liverpool playing in the second split week towards the end of the month.

Leoni will don the number 15 shirt and met his first-team colleagues ahead of their clash with Bournemouth.

"I'm very happy to be here.

When I saw this, I said, 'Wow, this is crazy.' I'm very happy.

"I want to improve a lot with my new teammates in training and after on the pitch, in the Premier League and the Champions League.

"I'll watch the game [against AFC Bournemouth at Anfield tonight] in the stadium, see the game and then after the game it's a new journey."

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Subject to international clearance and work permit, here are the potential dates for Giovanni Leoni's Liverpool debut:

August 25 - Newcastle United (A)

August 31 - Arsenal (H)

September 14 - Burnley (A) - First match after international break

September 20 - Everton (H)

September 27 - Crystal Palace (A)

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