Liverpool have confirmed the signing of 18-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni from Parma for an initial £26 million. The defender has signed a six-year contract and is regarded by the club as a potential long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk.
Leoni, who stands at 6ft 4in, was also a target for Newcastle United. He is expected to go straight into Liverpool's first-team squad. The Italy under-19 international made 17 Serie A appearances last season after making his debut in the Italian top flight.
The announcement came shortly before Liverpool began their Premier League title defence at home to Bournemouth. Leoni was present at Anfield to watch the match.
Speaking to Liverpool's website, Leoni expressed his excitement: 'I’m so honoured. I was very happy [about Liverpool being interested]. When I saw this I said: 'Wow, this is crazy.'' He will wear the No 15 shirt and added: 'I want to improve a lot with my new teammates in training and after on the pitch, in the Premier League and the Champions League.'
