Liverpool Lock Down Eighth Summer Star as New Signing Reveals Jersey Number and Expresses Pride
Liverpool have secured centre-back Giovanni Leoni as their eighth first-team acquisition this summer, pushing their transfer expenditure for this window closer to the £300 million ($406.7 million) threshold.
The imposing 18-year-old defender has committed to a long-term deal with the Reds and will don the No. 15 jersey previously worn by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, which has remained unoccupied since 2023.
"I'm extremely delighted to be here. It's an incredible feeling and I feel privileged to join this club," Leoni shared with the club's official website. "So much [excitement]. I feel truly privileged. I was thrilled [when Liverpool showed interest]. When I learned about this opportunity I thought, 'Wow, this is unbelievable.' I'm extremely delighted."
Leoni continued: "You cannot turn down this club. [The decision was] straightforward—because it's among the finest clubs globally. I couldn't refuse!"
Liverpool are believed to have struck an agreement with Parma valued at £30 million ($40.7 million) including performance-related bonuses for the promising Italian, who featured in 17 Serie A matches during the latter portion of last campaign.
Leoni initially emerged at Padova in Italy's lower divisions, before a pivotal loan spell with Sampdoria in Serie B propelled his meteoric ascent.
He could potentially serve as Liverpool's third-choice centre-back, positioned behind regular starters Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, and ahead of injury-susceptible Joe Gomez.
Doak Poised for Bournemouth Move
While Liverpool and Bournemouth gear up for their Premier League season opener clash, both clubs are finalizing negotiations for winger Ben Doak.
The 19-year-old Scotland international is close to departing Anfield for the Cherries in what sources suggest is a substantial £25 million ($33.9 million) deal.
Doak registered 10 senior appearances for Liverpool after joining the club's youth system from Celtic in 2022. He completed last season on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship.