Leoni joins Liverpool, it's official: "It's impossible to say no to a club like this."

It's now official. Giovanni Leoni is a new Liverpool player. The 18-year-old defender, born in Rome, who came through the Padova youth academy and exploded last season at Parma (17 appearances and one goal), has signed a multi-year contract with the English champions. Liverpool paid him €35 million in fixed fees and bonuses. “I'm very happy to be here. It's a truly fantastic feeling,” Leoni told the Reds' official channels. “It's impossible to say no to one of the best clubs in the world. When I heard about Liverpool's interest, I said, 'Wow, this is crazy.' I want to grow in training with my teammates and then on the pitch. I can't wait to meet my idol, van Dijk; he's the best defender in the world.” At Liverpool, Leoni will wear the number 15 shirt : “It's the number I had when I made my professional debut.”