Liverpool signs rising star Giovanni Leoni from Parma

Liverpool signs an 18 year old Italian defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma on a six year deal for £26m, adding depth to the defense.

Liverpool signs rising star Giovanni Leoni from Parma

Liverpool have completed the signing of Giovanni Leoni from Parma for £26m. The 18 year old centre back has agreed a six year contract and will join ahead of the new Premier League season. The move ends a long pursuit of a young defender and follows a short list of targets that failed to materialise, including Levi Colwill and Leny Yoro, while Dean Huijsen opted for Real Madrid. Leoni is tall and physically imposing, and he is expected to report to Anfield on Friday ahead of the campaign.

Past attempts to add young defenders in this window showed how much teams value immediate first team football, with Colwill staying at Chelsea and Yoro seeking a different path. The signing also taps into Liverpool's strategy of investing in long term potential rather than short term fixes, a plan that could shape the club's defensive spine for years to come.

Leoni's arrival fits a broader trend at big clubs to build for the future through high ceiling teens. A six year deal for an 18 year old sends a signal that patience is part of the plan, even if the price tag raises questions about immediate impact.

The risk is clear. If development stalls or he struggles to adapt to the Premier League, fans and investors may demand faster returns. The club must balance nurture with performance, and the coaching staff will be under extra pressure to accelerate growth without rushing the process.

Highlights

The next chapter for Liverpool defense will reveal how far the club is willing to go with youth