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Liverpool have officially completed the signing of Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni.
The Reds have unveiled the Italy youth international as their seventh signing of what has been a spectacular summer transfer window. Liverpool agreed to pay a fee in the region of €35 million for Leoni, taking their spending to €338m.
The 18-year-old arrives after a breakout season at Parma, where he established himself as a regular following the arrival of Cristian Chivu, who has since taken over at Inter.
Leoni has become the first centre-back signing of Liverpool’s window. Strengthening that department had been a priority following the department of Jarell Quansah and amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s contract.
Liverpool remain interested in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, but it remains unclear if they can agree a fee with the Eagles. The Anfield club are wary of overspending on a player with just a year left to run on his contract.
Liverpool sign Leoni
“I’m very happy to be here,” Leoni said after completing his move to Liverpool. “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 the interest]. When I saw this, I said, ‘Wow, this is crazy.’ I’m very happy.”
“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 Bournemouth tonight] in the stadium, see the game and then after the game it’s a new journey.”
Explaining his decision to move to Merseyside, he added: “Because it’s one of the best clubs in the world. It’s not possible to say no to this club. Yes, [it was] easy – because it’s one of the best clubs in the world. I didn’t say no!
“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.” Leoni has signed a six-year contract and will wear the No.15 shirt.
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