Liverpool sign Giovanni Leoni

Liverpool FC have completed the signing of defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma, subject to international clearance and a work permit.

Liverpool sign Giovanni Leoni from Parma

The 18-year-old defender completed a medical and signed a long-term contract at the AXA Training Centre after joining Liverpool from Parma. He featured 17 times in Serie A during the 2024-25 season, scoring once, before moving to the Premier League champions.

Leoni’s arrival fits Liverpool’s long-term plan to strengthen the squad with promising young players. At 18, he arrives with a taste of first-team football in Italy, which could help him adapt to England’s pace if given chances in coming seasons. The move also reflects Liverpool’s willingness to cast a wide net for talent, blending youth potential with a club already set up for rapid development.

There are questions about how quickly he can break into a title-chasing side, and whether he goes out on loan to gain minutes. His path will depend on clearance timelines and work permit decisions, as well as the club’s broader strategy for integrating academy players into a squad used to competing at the top level.

Highlights

Time will tell how quickly Leoni finds his stride in England.