Daijiworld Media Network – Liverpool
Liverpool, Aug 16: Liverpool’s offseason spending surpassed £300 million ($400 million) after completing the signing of 18-year-old Parma defender Giovanni Leoni on Friday.
The Italy Under-19 international signed a six-year contract worth £26 million plus add-ons and is expected to be available for the Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Friday night. Leoni, who previously played for Padova and Sampdoria, joined Parma a year ago and impressed with his performances.
Leoni will compete with Joe Gomez to challenge established Liverpool centre backs Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. Speaking to liverpoolfc.com, Leoni said, “Because it's one of the best clubs in the world, it's not possible to say no to this club. I'm so honored. I was very happy when I saw Liverpool was interested. I said, ‘Wow, this is crazy.’”
Liverpool also remains interested in Crystal Palace centre back Marc Guehi, although negotiations have stalled due to a fee dispute for a player in the final year of his contract.
Despite signing eight new players, the club has recouped almost £200 million from sales, including the departures of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, Caoihmhin Kelleher, Tyler Morton, and Nat Phillips.
Leoni’s arrival underlines Liverpool’s continued ambition to strengthen the squad ahead of a challenging Premier League season.