Liverpool have a new centre back, with highly-rated Italian teenager Giovanni Leoni joining the club from Parma for a fee of £26 million.
Leoni becomes the latest edition to Arne Slot’s side in what has been one of the busiest transfer windows in recent memory. And, with the departure of Jarell Quansah and concerns surrounding the fitness of Joe Gomez, the Italian will provide much-needed reinforcements in the centre-half position.
So what do we know about Giovanni Leoni? At 18 years of age he is already regarded as one of the most promising centre halves in Europe. He progressed through the youth sides at Vigontina, Cittadella and Padlova, making his senior debut at just 16 years of age.
A loan spell with Sampdoria from his home club of Padua was followed by a move to Parma where Leoni broke into the first team, making 17 appearances in Serie A last season. At international level, Leoni has represented Italy at youth level up to the Under 19’s.
An imposing figure standing at 6’4, Leoni already has all the physical attributes required to be a success in the Premier League. Alongside his obvious aerial ability and pace, he is comfortable playing as both a right and left-sided centre-half, offering Arne Slot some versatility in that position.
Leoni will no doubt be looking forward to training and playing alongside his new captain Virgil van Dijk, with suggestions that the Italian may be viewed as a long-term replacement for the Dutchman. Leoni will hope that he can one day emulate his skipper’s success during his time on Merseyside.
It remains to be seen when Leoni will be handed his first start for the Reds. Slot will maybe look to give him some minutes in the cup fixtures, which will be ideal opportunities for him to aim to impress the manager. However, Leoni will be aware of the possibility of being called upon in the league, especially with injuries and dips in form likely to occur during a long campaign.
At £26 million the signing of Leoni could prove to be a shrewd bit of business for Liverpool. By bringing in such a promising player at such a young age, it highlights that the club is looking ahead to the future, and showing commitment of recruiting highly-rated young players with big potential.
Leoni will be excited for his future with the Premier League Champions, and will be keen to contribute towards the long term success of the club.
