Liverpool Target £41m Giovanni Leoni as Defensive Shortage Deepens
Liverpool are pushing to sign Parma’s highly rated 18-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni, valued at around €40m (£41m), as their need for defensive reinforcements becomes urgent.
According to The Times’ Paul Joyce, the Reds have turned their focus to Leoni, who has been compared by Italian media to legendary defender Fabio Cannavaro. Despite his youth, Leoni could be called upon immediately due to Liverpool’s lack of options at the back.
Manager Arne Slot faces a worrying situation: Virgil van Dijk remains the defensive anchor but is now 34, Joe Gomez is battling an Achilles problem, and Ibrahima Konaté is entering the final year of his contract. The recent £35m sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen has further thinned the squad.
Leoni, standing at 6’5” and already capped at Italy U19 level, has just 17 Serie A appearances but is regarded as one of the brightest defensive prospects in the country. His swift rise—from Padova’s youth system to Parma’s first team in under two years—has impressed Liverpool’s scouts.
However, securing his signature may be complicated. Parma want €40m, and the player is reportedly leaning toward staying in Italy, with Inter Milan favourites to land him. His camp also believes another season in Serie A could boost his 2026 World Cup chances.
Liverpool fans are growing anxious, knowing the club must act fast. While Leoni represents huge potential and even idolises Van Dijk, the Reds might also need to consider a more experienced addition if they are to shore up their defence before the transfer window closes.
