Arne Slot has appeared to confirm a deal for Giovanni Leoni.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed the move has reached the “here we go” stage, with all documents approved and Liverpool authorising Leoni’s flight for medical examinations.
Giovanni Leoni has been cleared to undergo his Liverpool medical today ahead of a £26 million transfer from Parma.
The two clubs reached full agreement on the deal late on Wednesday.
The 18-year-old centre-back is set to join Liverpool’s first-team squad immediately and will not be sent out on loan.
Speaking to reporters in his pre-Bournemouth press conference, the Dutchman said:
“The clubs have agreed a deal but he hasn’t signed. The moment he signs I can go into more detail.”
“The other one (Guehi) is the same answer I always give. Can I talk more?”
“No, he is not our player, unfortunately he was the captain of the team we lost against. If you want to talk about him, go to Glasner and Palace and ask them.”
Born in Rome, the defender began his career at Padova before making his professional debut in Serie C in March 2023 at just 16 years and three months old, making him the youngest professional footballer in Italy that season.
His progression accelerated dramatically over the past 18 months.
After a loan spell at Sampdoria in February 2024, which was made permanent in June for €1.5 million, Parma moved swiftly to secure his services just two months later in a €4 million deal.
Last season, Leoni made 17 appearances in Serie A as Parma finished 16th, with 14 of those being starts.
Despite having played only 33 senior games in his entire career, Liverpool’s substantial investment reflects their assessment of his potential.
The fee works out at approximately half a million pounds per Serie A appearance.
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