Italian defender Giovanni Leoni has completed his move from Parma to Liverpool as he penned a six-year deal with the Reds paying £35million for his services.
Softfootball understands that the deal is still subject to international clearance and a successful work permit application for the 18-year-old.
Following his successful medial, he penned a long-term deal and excitedly told Liverpool’s official club media how he felt after becoming a player for the club.
He said:
“I’m very happy to be here. It’s a really great sensation and I’m honoured to be here.
“Yeah, a lot [of excitement]. I’m so honoured. I was very happy [about Liverpool being interested]. When I saw this I said, ‘Wow, this is crazy.’ I’m very happy.”
The young Italian had a huge breakthrough in Serie A last season with Parma, making a total of 17 appearances and scoring a goal. And he wants to continue to develop with the Reds.
He said:
“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.
“I’ll watch the game [against AFC Bournemouth at Anfield tonight] in the stadium, see the game and then after the game it’s a new journey.”
On the reason why he picked the number 15 jersey. He revealed:
“I chose the number 15 because when I debuted as a pro I had this and I want to keep it with me.”
The likes of Patrik Berger, Peter Crouch, Jamie Redknapp and Daniel Sturridge had previously worn the number 15 for the club and the last person to dorn the jersey in the Premier League for the Reds was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back in 2023.
Giovanni Leoni will experience the Anfield crowd for the first time this evening as he watches Liverpool play Bournemouth in the 2025/26 Premier League opener.
