Liverpool complete signing of Giovanni Leoni from Parma | OneFootball

Liverpool have complete the signing of 18-year-old Italian defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma, with the transfer reportedly worth £26m plus potential add-ons.

The young centre-back has put pen to paper on a deal running until 2031.

Leoni, who has represented Italy at Under-19 level, began his career at Padova and had a short spell at Sampdoria before moving to Parma last summer.

He made a notable impression in Serie A during the 2024-25 season, making 17 appearances and scoring once in his first top-flight campaign.

The Reds have been keen to bolster their central defence after selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen last month, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi also reportedly on their radar.

Speaking to the club's media team, Leoni said: “I’m very happy to be here. It’s a really great sensation and I’m honoured to be here.

“Yeah, a lot [of excitement]. I’m so honoured. I was very happy [about Liverpool being interested]. When I saw this I said, ‘Wow, this is crazy.’ I’m very happy.”