Giovanni Leoni
IMAGE CREDITS: Parma Calcio 1913
Liverpool have reached a full agreement to sign Giovanni Leoni from Parma this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Leoni enjoyed a breakout campaign in Serie A last season, cementing his place as a first-choice starter in the second half of the campaign and making 17 appearances.
The Reds have long been in the market for a young centre-back, having previously been thwarted in their attempts to sign Levi Colwill, Leny Yoro, and Dean Huijsen.
Italian football legend Arrigo Sacchi has voiced his disappointment at the prospect of Leoni leaving Serie A for Liverpool.
However, the former Italy and AC Milan boss admitted that the Reds would be acquiring “a real talent” if they can finalise a deal with Parma for the 18-year-old.
“Liverpool would make a great signing, and he could thrive in the Premier League,” he said.
“It’s a shame he’s eluding the big clubs in Serie A. On the one hand, the news makes me immensely happy, and on the other, it makes me a little angry.
“Let me explain – I’m happy that an Italian player is receiving praise from a major club like Liverpool, but I wish AC Milan or Inter, Juventus or Napoli were competing for his transfer, not a foreign club.
“I’m told Italian teams don’t have the same financial resources as English clubs. Absolutely true, but I add – why hasn’t the football product been exploited here like in England?
“Why is it so complicated to buy a €40m defender for an Italian club, and yet Liverpool doesn’t flinch?”
He added: “We’ll see if the deal goes through, but in any case, I feel like the Reds would make a great coup by securing this boy, whom I followed with curiosity and interest in the second half of last season.
“Leoni is only 18, and I’m told he’s a decent guy, hard-working, humble, and very determined. Character is crucial in a footballer’s career, as is temperament.
Romano posted on X: “Giovanni Leoni to Liverpool, here we go! Deal agreed with Parma for Italian 18yo centre back.
“No loan, never discussed… Leoni joins #LFC now as part of Arne Slot plans. Fee around €35m with sell-on clause.
“No convincing ever needed as Leoni wanted Liverpool.”
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