A new Liverpool medical seems very likely as Sky reports the Reds have reached a ‘full verbal agreement.’

Liverpool are on the verge of adding another exciting young talent to their squad, as Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reports that the Reds have reached a full verbal agreement to sign Parma’s highly-rated centre-back Giovanni Leoni.

The 18-year-old, regarded as one of the most promising defensive prospects in Serie A, is reportedly ready to join Arne Slot’s squad without delay. Talks between Liverpool and Parma are believed to be at an advanced stage, with a final agreement expected to be sealed imminently.

This move comes at a crucial time for Liverpool. While their summer transfer activity has been positive, the centre-back position has remained a concern. The club’s defensive depth took a hit after Jarell Quansah’s surprising switch to Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the window. And although the Reds have strengthened their flanks with the arrivals of Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, reinforcements through the middle have been a pressing priority.

Liverpool’s interest in Leoni is not surprising. Standing at an imposing 6’5”, the young defender combines physical presence with impressive technical ability. His knack for breaking opposition lines with pinpoint passes, along with a calmness under pressure rarely seen in players his age, has made him a standout figure in Italian football. Scouts have been particularly impressed with his maturity in reading the game and his aerial dominance, although statistical analysis suggests there’s still room for him to sharpen his aerial duels.

Plettenberg’s report also reveals that discussions with Parma have moved quickly, with both clubs eager to finalise the details. Ben Jacobs has added weight to the story, indicating that a deal could be completed within the next 24 hours—potentially allowing Leoni to undergo his Liverpool medical before the weekend.

The move for Leoni runs in parallel with Liverpool’s pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, another highly-rated defender. While Guehi would add immediate solidity and Premier League experience to the back line, Leoni represents more of a long-term project—possibly one groomed to succeed Virgil van Dijk in the coming years.

Leoni’s rise in Italian football has been rapid. Having made only 17 senior appearances for Parma, he has already attracted interest from top Serie A clubs, but Liverpool’s ambition and reputation for developing young players appear to have tipped the scales in their favour. The Reds’ recruitment team has long admired his composure, physicality, and potential to become a complete modern-day centre-back.

That said, a move to the Premier League represents a significant step up in intensity and expectation. The pace, physicality, and relentless fixture schedule of English football will require Leoni to adapt quickly. Liverpool fans should expect Slot to ease him into the team rather than throwing him directly into the starting XI.

For Liverpool, this transfer aligns with their broader recruitment strategy under Slot—a blend of proven talent for immediate impact and carefully chosen young stars for long-term development. If Leoni’s growth matches the club’s expectations, the Reds could be securing the heart of their defence for the next decade.

With the season fast approaching, sealing this deal would provide a huge boost to Liverpool’s defensive options. And if the medical takes place in the coming days as anticipated, Giovanni Leoni could soon be walking out at Anfield, ready to take his first steps in English football.