ReactionGiovanni Leoni: It's not possible to say no to Liverpool
Giovanni Leoni revealed it wasn't possible for him to turn down 'one of the best clubs in the world' as soon as the prospect of joining Liverpool emerged.
The 18-year-old Italian defender put the finishing touches on his permanent transfer from Parma to the Reds today, penning a long-term contract.
Leoni caught many an eye for his former employers during his solitary campaign in Serie A in 2024-25, featuring 17 times and scoring one goal.
His rise through football in his homeland has been swift, having spent the second half of the previous season on loan at Sampdoria in Serie B, before stepping up a division.
Now, he has made the switch to Premier League champions Liverpool, an opportunity he was never going to turn down.
"Because it's one of the best clubs in the world," he told Liverpoolfc.com of his decision to leave Italy and join the Reds. "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!"
An Italy U19 international, the centre-back describes himself as an 'intelligent, smart and technical player'.
At Liverpool he will wear the No.15 shirt and wants to continue his development under head coach Arne Slot.
He said of his progress with Parma: "The continuous [game time] in the second half of the season, I continued to play and to play games [and] to have more confidence in myself.
"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."
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