TRANSFER BATTLE HEATS UP: Liverpool’s pursuit of Giovanni Leoni hits a roadblock as Parma stand firm
Liverpool’s ambitions of bolstering their defensive ranks this summer have met a major stumbling block, as Italian side Parma have rejected a €35 million (£30.3m) offer for their highly-rated young centre-back, Giovanni Leoni.
According to TuttoMercato, the Serie B club has made its position crystal clear: Leoni will not be sold for a penny less than €40 million (£34.8m). This unwavering stance from Parma underscores just how highly they value the 17-year-old, who has been turning heads across Europe with his mature defensive displays and rapid development.
Leoni, who only recently broke into the first team, is considered one of the brightest young defensive prospects in Italian football. His composure on the ball, strong aerial presence, and ability to read the game have already drawn comparisons to some of Italy’s legendary defenders. At just 17, he has shown a level of maturity and tactical awareness far beyond his years — qualities that have inevitably caught the attention of top European clubs.
For Liverpool, the interest is hardly surprising. With manager Arne Slot seeking to rejuvenate and future-proof the squad, particularly in defence, Leoni fits the profile of a long-term investment — young, technically gifted, and with the potential to grow into a world-class player. The Reds’ scouting department has reportedly been tracking him for months, viewing him as someone who could be integrated gradually alongside established defenders like Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté.
However, Parma’s resistance reflects a growing trend in modern football: clubs refusing to be pressured into selling their top prospects on the cheap, especially when those players are under long-term contracts. For Parma, Leoni represents more than just a financial asset — he is seen as a cornerstone of their project, potentially leading them back to Serie A and beyond.
This standoff now leaves Liverpool with a decision to make: increase the bid to match Parma’s valuation or walk away and target other defenders. Given the Premier League’s fiercely competitive nature and Liverpool’s need to strengthen for the long season ahead, many fans believe upping the offer might be the only way to secure Leoni’s signature.
One thing is certain: this transfer saga is far from over. The next few weeks will determine whether Liverpool can turn their interest into a done deal or if Parma’s defiant stance forces them to look elsewhere.
