Liverpool have joined the race for highly rated Italian defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma, with the Premier League champions stepping up plans to reshape their defensive line under head coach Arne Slot.
Leoni, just 18, is attracting interest from at ‘least 10 Premier League clubs’, including Newcastle and Tottenham, after an impressive breakout season in Serie A with Parma. According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook and Italian outlet Parma today report Liverpool have scouted the teenager and are seriously considering a move as part of their wider recruitment strategy as they have been impressed by Leoni’s “technical and athletic skills.”
“The news is that his technical and athletic skills have impressed the scouts of the English champion Liverpool.”
Leoni only joined Parma from Sampdoria in June 2024 for a reported fee of around £4.1 million, but has quickly made a name for himself with his composed style and physical presence across 17 league appearances. Now, he’s viewed as one of Italy’s most promising defensive talents and a potential long term solution for Liverpool.
However, signing the Italian won’t be straightforward. Leoni is said to prefer staying in Italy, with Serie A giants Inter Milan also circling. Parma, for their part, are determined to keep hold of the player they see as a cornerstone of their defence.
Speaking to Sky, Parma CEO Federico Cherubini addressed the growing speculation:
“There is also interest from abroad in Leoni… but we believe his journey has only just begun here. We’ve not had any signs from him or his camp that he wants to leave. We think staying is the best thing for both Parma and for the player. The market has just opened — anything can happen.”
The 18 year old profile fits the type of signing Liverpool have increasingly prioritised: young, technically sound, physically gifted, and with a high ceiling. With Jarell Quansah’s departure to Bayer Leverkusen, Virgil van Dijk edging closer to the latter stages of his career and Joe Gomez’ struggles with persistent problems, the club are looking to add options at centre-back. Ibrahima Konaté also has just one year remaining on his deal, leaving the club with crucial decisions to make at the heart of defence.
The Reds have already strengthened in other areas of the pitch this summer, signing Bayer Leverkusen duo Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz as well as Milos Kerkez, but defensive reinforcements remain high on the agenda and the young centre back could be part of that future facing solution. However, a transfer this summer remains uncertain due to Parma’s stance and Leoni’s preference.
