Report: Giovanni Leoni lands in Liverpool for his medical ahead of sensational signing

The Reds have agreed a fee of around 35 million euros with Parma, including a sell-on clause, to bring the highly rated Italian defender to Anfield.

Romano confirmed the deal's completion, stating on X: "Giovanni Leoni to Liverpool, here we go! Deal agreed with Parma for Italian 18yo centre back. No loan, never discussed… Leoni joins #LFC now as part of Arne Slot plans. Fee around 35m euros with sell-on clause. No convincing ever needed as Leoni wanted Liverpool."

He later added: "Giovanni Leoni will be today in Liverpool for medical tests and contract signing. He's travelling with his agent as deal is 100% done with Liverpool as reported yesterday."

The Reds, who celebrated a Premier League title in Arne Slot's debut season as manager, have been active in the transfer market, already securing six new players, including high-profile names like Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong.

Slot, backed wholeheartedly by the Liverpool board, are not stopping there. They remain in the hunt for Newcastle United's Alexander Isak after a 110-million-pound bid was rejected earlier this month and are also pursuing Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi to bolster their defensive options.

Liverpool's transfer strategy, as outlined by Romano, focuses on blending youth and experience at centre-back, with Leoni representing a long-term investment and Guehi offering proven Premier League quality. "Liverpool do not see Giovanni Leoni and Marc Guehi necessarily as alternative options," Romano noted. "Both negotiations are on."

Leoni, a versatile and composed defender, has expressed his enthusiasm for the move, with Romano revealing that "no convincing was ever needed" as the young star was eager to join Liverpool's ambitious project under Slot. The Italian's arrival is expected to provide depth and future-proof the Reds' backline as they aim to maintain their dominance in English football.

Despite their transfer activity, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has cautioned against assuming the Reds will dominate the Premier League again this season.

Reflecting on their Community Shield performance, Carragher said: "I don't get this narrative of Liverpool are going to run away with it. It's not just about having the best players, it's about having the best team and making that balance right. At the weekend, it didn't quite look right."

He added: "It tells me it's not just about spending lots of money and buying the best players, you've still got to manage that team and make it work."

With Leoni's signing now finalized and further deals in the pipeline, Liverpool are gearing up for a competitive season, balancing their squad with emerging talents and established stars to challenge on all fronts.