Giovanni Leoni’s first Serie A season has drawn attention from former AC Milan head coach Arrigo Sacchi.
Fabrizio Romano reports Arne Slot’s side have already signed Leoni from Serie A side Parma for a €35m fee. The 18-year-old defender is set to be the next summer signing for the Reds.
On top of that, Liverpool still might go for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi this summer, according to multiple reports. Guehi reportedly wants to join Liverpool, and Crystal Palace might be willing to sell him as his contract at the London club is expiring in 2026.
The young Italian defender has already arrived on Merseyside, as per reports. The club could officially announce his transfer in the coming days.
🚨🔴 Giovanni Leoni has completed main part of his medical and signs his contract as new Liverpool player!
Exclusive detail in addition: contract will be valid until June 2031, six year deal at #LFC.
Official announcement to follow this week. pic.twitter.com/qV8xhicAsC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 14, 2025
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What Arrigo Sacchi said about Giovanni Leoni’s Liverpool move
The former AC Milan manager said: “I’m convinced he’ll be the linchpin of the Azzurri defence for a long time. Some, regarding a possible transfer to Liverpool, object that this young man has only made 17 Serie A appearances so far. Aren’t those few? No, I reply. Not few, because on those occasions Leoni has demonstrated the qualities needed to go far.”
He also added: “If someone is good, if someone has their head in the right place, it’s immediately obvious. A person can have 200 Serie A games under their belt and still not possess the qualities Leoni displayed in his first season as an adult. Talent knows no age.”
The Italian defender showed great consistency last season for the Serie A side, appearing in 17 league matches for Parma and scoring one goal.
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