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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
Reigning Premier League champions Liverpool have completed the signing of Giovanni Leoni from Italian side Parma for £26 million plus add-ons.
The club announced on Friday that the 18-year-old centre-back has signed his contract until 2031, with the transfer subject to international clearance and a work permit .
Leoni, an Italy Under-19 international, began his career at Calcio Padova, made his senior debut at just 16 in Serie C, and had a short spell at Sampdoria before joining Parma last summer.
He made 17 Serie A appearances in his debut top-flight campaign, breaking into the starting XI in the second half of the season.
The highly rated defender attracted interest from both AC Milan and Inter Milan, but opted for a move abroad, describing Liverpool as “impossible to say no to.”
“Because it’s one of the best clubs in the world. It’s not possible to say no to this club,” Leoni told Liverpool’s website.
Why Liverpool Wanted Him
Liverpool have been actively seeking defensive reinforcements since selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen last month. While Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace remains a top target, manager Arne Slot has moved to secure Leoni as both a future prospect and immediate cover.
With Captain Virgil van Dijk (now 34) and Ibrahima Konate the only fully fit senior centre-backs for the Community Shield, depth in central defence is a pressing concern.
Giovanni Leoni was present at Anfield stadium for Liverpool’s premier league opener against Bournemouth
Leoni’s arrival adds an option capable of stepping in if needed, while also developing for the long term.
Player Profile
Height: 6ft 5in (1.96m) Strengths: Exceptional in the air (top 10% for aerial duels won in Serie A last season), composed in possession, tactically versatile—can play in the middle or right of a back three. Experience: 14 Serie A starts, plus prior senior experience in Serie C at age 16. Inspiration: Has previously cited Van Dijk as a role model, making Liverpool’s offer even more attractive.
While he is expected to be patient for regular minutes, learning from Van Dijk and Konate could accelerate his development into a first-team contender.
The Guehi Situation
Liverpool remain in talks for Marc Guehi, with Crystal Palace valuing the England international at £40m.
Marc Guehi
The Reds could choose to wait and sign him as a free agent next summer, when his contract expires. As it stands, Palace are unwilling to sell for less than their valuation, making it likely Guehi stays put until 2026.
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