Liverpool Eye £41m Parma Wonderkid Giovanni Leoni Amid Defensive Crisis
Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit of Parma’s 18-year-old defensive sensation Giovanni Leoni, valued at approximately €40m (£41m), as the club faces a mounting shortage of centre-backs.
According to Paul Joyce of The Times, Leoni has drawn comparisons in Italy to legendary defender Fabio Cannavaro. Despite his age, the towering 6’5” Italy U19 international could be thrust straight into the first team due to Liverpool’s dwindling defensive depth.
Manager Arne Slot’s concerns are growing: Virgil van Dijk remains the leader at the back but is now 34, Joe Gomez is struggling with an Achilles injury, and Ibrahima Konaté is entering the final year of his deal. The recent £35m departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen has further depleted the squad.
Leoni’s meteoric rise—from Padova’s youth setup to Parma’s Serie A starting XI in under two years—has caught the eye of scouts across Europe. Yet securing his signature may prove tricky. Parma are holding firm on their €40m asking price, and reports suggest the player is leaning towards staying in Italy, with Inter Milan currently leading the race. His representatives also believe that another year in Serie A could boost his chances of making Italy’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Liverpool supporters are increasingly anxious for reinforcements. While Leoni idolises Van Dijk and represents enormous long-term potential, there is also growing consensus that the Reds may need to sign an experienced defender before the transfer window closes.
