On August 15, 2025, Liverpool confirmed the signing of 18-year-old Italian defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma in a deal worth an initial £26 million plus add-ons, marking their ninth acquisition of a busy summer transfer window. The announcement, reported by Sky Sports and This Is Anfield, sees the highly-rated centre-back sign a six-year contract, bolstering Liverpool’s defense as they prepare for their Premier League title defense. The move has sparked excitement among fans on X, who see Leoni as a future star.

Leoni, who made 17 Serie A appearances for Parma last season, emerged as one of Europe’s brightest defensive talents, drawing interest from Inter Milan, Manchester United, and Newcastle. Liverpool’s swift move, finalized after a medical at the AXA Training Centre, secured the 6ft 5in Italy Under-19 international, who rejected other offers to join Arne Slot’s squad. “It’s not possible to say no to Liverpool,” Leoni told the club’s website, citing the Reds’ status as “one of the best clubs in the world.”

The transfer, which pushes Liverpool’s summer spending past £321 million, addresses defensive concerns following Jarell Quansah’s £35 million move to Bayer Leverkusen and Joe Gomez’s Achilles injury. Leoni’s aerial dominance—ranking in the top 10% for aerial duels won in Serie A—and composure on the ball make him a perfect fit for Slot’s system, per The Standard. He joins Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in the first-team setup, with no loan move planned, as confirmed by This Is Anfield.

Fans on X are buzzing, with posts like, “Leoni’s a beast! Future Van Dijk!” and “Arne Slot’s building a fortress.” His debut is anticipated soon, though he wasn’t registered for the Community Shield loss to Crystal Palace on August 10, 2025. Liverpool’s pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi continues, but Leoni’s arrival signals long-term planning, especially with Van Dijk, 34, nearing the end of his contract, per ESPN.

Leoni’s rise from Padova to Serie A in two years highlights his potential. His stats—88.7% pass success and 4.73 clearances per 90 minutes—impress for a teenager, per The Standard. As Liverpool gear up for their opener against Bournemouth, Leoni’s integration will be key, with Slot praising his “raw talent.” The £26 million gamble could redefine Liverpool’s defense, marking Leoni as a cornerstone for years to come.