Liverpool sign Parma teenager Leoni

Premier League champions Liverpool signed Parma’s teenage defender Giovanni Leoni on Friday in a deal worth an initial £26 million ($35 million).

Italy Under-19 international Leoni agreed a six-year contract with the Reds.

Leoni’s signing is subject to international clearance and a work permit.

He is due to be at Anfield to watch the Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Friday.

Once the paperwork is finalised, the 18-year-old is expected to go straight into Arne Slot’s squad to fill the gap left by Jarell Quansah’s move to Bayer Leverkusen in the close-season.

“Because it’s one of the best clubs in the world it’s not possible to say no to this club,” Leoni said.

“I’m very happy to be here. It’s a really great sensation and I’m honoured to be here.

“I’m so honoured. When I saw this (interest from Liverpool) I said, ‘Wow, this is crazy.’.”

In 2023, after making his debut for Padova, Leoni said he was “inspired” by Virgil van Dijk and now he has a chance to learn from the Liverpool captain at close quarters.

Ibrahima Konate is Van Dijk’s established partner at the heart of Liverpool’s defence.

Leoni will be vying with the injury-prone Joe Gomez for the role of leading understudy to Liverpool’s centre-back duo.

Slot has now spent over £270 million on new signings since Liverpool’s title triumph last term.

Prior to landing Leoni, he had splashed out on Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike, with a £110 million bid for Alexander Isak rejected by Newcastle.

Liverpool also remain interested in Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, although discussions have stalled over a fee for a player in the final year of his contract.