Liverpool's incoming centre-back Giovanni Leoni revealed he idolises a former Manchester United player.
On Wednesday, Liverpool boss Arne Slot confirmed that the Reds had agreed a deal to sign 18-year-old Leoni from Parma.
"The clubs have agreed a deal but he has not signed for us yet. The moment he does, I can go into more detail," Slot said.
The centre-back, who last term made 17 appearances for Parma in his debut season at the club, is set to sign for Liverpool in a deal widely reported to be worth £26m.
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Leoni started his career at Padova, before moving to Serie A side Parma, via a short spell at Serie B outfit Sampdoria.
He enjoyed a breakout season at Parma, making 14 starts as his side finished 16th, five points clear of the relegation zone.
Leoni, who is highly rated in his native Italy, once admitted while at Padova that he looked up to Liverpool stalwart Virgil van Dijk.
He also reserved praise for Manchester United and England centre-back Chris Smalling who was at the time playing for Roma.
"I take inspiration from van Dijk and Smalling," the teenager said in a 2023 interview, via Liverpool Echo.
Iconic former AC Milan manager Arrigo Sachi has tipped Leoni to become the “lynchpin” in Italy’s defence for years to come.
Writing in Gazzetta dello Sport: “I’m convinced he’ll be the linchpin of the Azzurri defence for a long time.
“Some, regarding a possible transfer to Liverpool, object that this young man has only made 17 Serie A appearances so far. Aren’t those few? No, I reply. Not few, because on those occasions Leoni has demonstrated the qualities needed to go far.
“If someone is good, if someone has their head in the right place, it’s immediately obvious. A person can have 200 Serie A games under their belts and still not possess the qualities Leoni displayed in his first season as an adult. Talent knows no age.”
Topics: Liverpool, Football, Transfer News, Premier League, Arne Slot, Parma
Chris Byfield