Liverpool appear to be in the final stages of securing a deal for Parma’s highly rated centre-back, Giovanni Leoni — and the Serie A club may now be willing to part with the teenager for around €35 million.
According to Italian journalist Nicolo Ceccarini, the Reds have not yet submitted a formal bid but have already made direct contact to assess the player’s availability. Those conversations have reportedly given Liverpool growing confidence that a deal can be completed. Inter Milan, once seen as a serious contender for the 18-year-old, are now understood to be out of the running.
While previous speculation suggested Parma might accept €30 million plus add-ons, Ceccarini claims the Italian side’s ideal package is closer to €35 million. That figure could be enough to secure the youngster’s move to Anfield. The question now is how far Liverpool will be willing to go to meet that valuation.
Why Liverpool Are Moving for Leoni Now
This move comes at a critical time for the Reds. The £35 million sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen has left Arne Slot with a thin pool of options in central defence. Joe Gomez’s injury has only heightened the urgency, leaving Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as the only fully fit senior centre-backs.
Both Slot and Van Dijk have publicly acknowledged the need to reinforce the backline, particularly after Liverpool’s defeat to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield. Despite a summer spending spree exceeding £300 million — bringing in names like Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Armin Pesci and Freddie Woodman — defence remains a priority.
The Player and the Praise
Leoni’s reputation has grown rapidly after his breakthrough season with Parma, where he made 17 Serie A appearances and scored once. Despite his limited senior experience, he has already represented Italy at under-19 level and earned praise from some of the biggest names in Italian football.
Legendary coach Arrigo Sacchi, writing in La Gazzetta dello Sport, described Leoni as “a young man with the qualities to go far,” highlighting his composure, mentality, and work ethic. Sacchi dismissed concerns about his inexperience, noting that “talent knows no age” and that even seasoned professionals can lack the qualities Leoni has already displayed.
The former AC Milan and Italy boss also stressed the importance of giving young players the space to make and learn from mistakes, predicting that Leoni would make very few due to his maturity and dedication.
What Happens Next
Liverpool reportedly have a verbal agreement in place with Leoni over personal terms, meaning the final hurdle is agreeing a fee with Parma. Despite the player’s contract running until 2029, sources close to the negotiations believe an agreement is achievable in the coming days.
If the deal goes through, Leoni would become part of Liverpool’s long-term defensive plan, potentially alongside Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi — another top target. The Reds’ pursuit of both players shows a strategy aimed at strengthening immediately while also building for the future.
Should Liverpool complete the signing, they wouldn’t just be adding a defender for today, but investing in a player who could anchor their backline for the next decade.
