LIVERPOOL HAVE TAKEN their summer spending past the £300 million (€347 million) mark after completing the signing of Parma’s 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni on a six-year contract.
The highly-rated Italy Under-19 international will cost an initial £26million plus add-ons and will go straight into Arne Slot’s squad to fill a gap which has seen the head coach operate in pre-season with just two fit centre-backs after selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.
His signing is subject to international clearance and a work permit but he will be at Anfield for the Premier League opener against Bournemouth.
In 2023, after making his debut for Padova, Leoni said he was “inspired” by Virgil van Dijk and now he has a chance to learn from the Liverpool captain at close quarters.
Ibrahima Konate is Van Dijk’s established partner but Leoni will be vying with Joe Gomez, Liverpool’s longest-serving current player who has only just returned from injury, to challenge the France international.
“Because it’s one of the best clubs in the world it’s not possible to say no to this club,” he told liverpoolfc.com.
“I’m very happy to be here. It’s a really great sensation and I’m honoured to be here.
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“I’m so honoured. I was very happy (about Liverpool being interested). When I saw this I said, ‘Wow, this is crazy.’”
Liverpool also remain interested in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, although discussions have stalled over a fee for a player in the final year of his contract.
Despite a significant outlay on eight players Liverpool have recouped almost £200m in sales following the departures of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, Caoihmhin Kelleher, Tyler Morton and Nat Phillips.
Meanwhile, Leeds United have signed former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer as the newly-promoted club gear up for their Premier League campaign.
Calvert-Lewin left Everton at the end of last season and has agreed a move to Elland Road just days before Leeds open their top-flight campaign against his former team.
The 28-year-old scored 71 goals in 273 games across nine years at Everton but injuries stalled his career in recent seasons.
Calvert-Lewin will not be included for Monday’s meeting with Everton, but Leeds boss Daniel Farke expects the striker to make a significant contribution to their survival bid.
“Dominic is a proven Premier League player. It’s important for all new signings, we want to sign players who have delivered on a top level, but they are also in a good age, on their way up the hill, not the way down,” he said.
“These boxes are all ticked by Dominic.”
“He has all the skills you’d like your striker to have.
“His last few seasons were a bit interrupted by injury, but he still managed to play 26 games last season.
“It’s a chance for him to revive his career and reach former heights when he was outstanding at Premier League level.”
Calvert-Lewin made the last of his 11 England appearances against Ukraine in 2021 in the European Championship quarter-finals and has scored four goals for his country.
“It is like walking in today like a first day at school,” Calvert-Lewin said of his move to Leeds.
“I feel like a kid again that is just starting somewhere new and just can’t wait to play.”
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Liverpool complete deal for Parma youngster as Leeds sign free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin
LAST UPDATE | 15 Aug 2025
LIVERPOOL HAVE TAKEN their summer spending past the £300 million (€347 million) mark after completing the signing of Parma’s 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni on a six-year contract.
The highly-rated Italy Under-19 international will cost an initial £26million plus add-ons and will go straight into Arne Slot’s squad to fill a gap which has seen the head coach operate in pre-season with just two fit centre-backs after selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.
His signing is subject to international clearance and a work permit but he will be at Anfield for the Premier League opener against Bournemouth.
In 2023, after making his debut for Padova, Leoni said he was “inspired” by Virgil van Dijk and now he has a chance to learn from the Liverpool captain at close quarters.
Ibrahima Konate is Van Dijk’s established partner but Leoni will be vying with Joe Gomez, Liverpool’s longest-serving current player who has only just returned from injury, to challenge the France international.
“Because it’s one of the best clubs in the world it’s not possible to say no to this club,” he told liverpoolfc.com.
“I’m very happy to be here. It’s a really great sensation and I’m honoured to be here.
“I’m so honoured. I was very happy (about Liverpool being interested). When I saw this I said, ‘Wow, this is crazy.’”
Liverpool also remain interested in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, although discussions have stalled over a fee for a player in the final year of his contract.
Despite a significant outlay on eight players Liverpool have recouped almost £200m in sales following the departures of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, Caoihmhin Kelleher, Tyler Morton and Nat Phillips.
Meanwhile, Leeds United have signed former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer as the newly-promoted club gear up for their Premier League campaign.
Calvert-Lewin left Everton at the end of last season and has agreed a move to Elland Road just days before Leeds open their top-flight campaign against his former team.
The 28-year-old scored 71 goals in 273 games across nine years at Everton but injuries stalled his career in recent seasons.
Calvert-Lewin will not be included for Monday’s meeting with Everton, but Leeds boss Daniel Farke expects the striker to make a significant contribution to their survival bid.
“Dominic is a proven Premier League player. It’s important for all new signings, we want to sign players who have delivered on a top level, but they are also in a good age, on their way up the hill, not the way down,” he said.
“These boxes are all ticked by Dominic.”
“He has all the skills you’d like your striker to have.
“His last few seasons were a bit interrupted by injury, but he still managed to play 26 games last season.
“It’s a chance for him to revive his career and reach former heights when he was outstanding at Premier League level.”
Calvert-Lewin made the last of his 11 England appearances against Ukraine in 2021 in the European Championship quarter-finals and has scored four goals for his country.
“It is like walking in today like a first day at school,” Calvert-Lewin said of his move to Leeds.
“I feel like a kid again that is just starting somewhere new and just can’t wait to play.”
– © AFP 2025
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dom's jolly Dominic Calvert-Lewin Leeds United Premier League Soccer