Liverpool Target Parma’s Teenage Star Giovanni Leoni for Immediate First-Team Role

Liverpool are in talks to sign 18-year-old Parma defender Giovanni Leoni. They plan to add him directly to Arne Slot’s squad for the new season. Leoni has already agreed to terms and wants to join the Premier League side quickly.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Liverpool and Parma are negotiating the transfer of Giovanni Leoni, who broke through in Serie A last season. Reports confirm that Leoni said yes right away when Liverpool approached him and did not need time to decide. The Reds do not plan to loan Leoni back to Italy as they want him to play right away in their retooled defence. The fee is about €30 million and bonuses, showing his value as a rising star in Italian football according to reports. Talks continue, but Liverpool are moving quickly to sign Leoni and add him to Arne Slot’s group this month.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Leoni had a breakout 2024/25 season with Parma, playing more than 30 Serie A games and getting a call-up to Italy’s U21 team. His play helped Parma finish 11th in the Italian top flight and stay in Serie A after promotion as they were promoted back to Serie A for the 2024-25 season. Liverpool are reshaping their backline to come back stronger this year after winning the Premier League last season but failing to be competitive in any other season. Leoni’s age and potential match Liverpool’s strategy to invest in young talent. He could compete for minutes with stars like Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. Reports say the Anfield club wants to agree to terms well before the season speeds up.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Liverpool start the season against Bournemouth, who finished 9th last season. They finished ten points ahead of Arsenal last year to qualify for the Champions League and win the league title. The race for the top four will be tough again, with Arsenal and Manchester City as the favorites. If Leoni completes his transfer, he will start training with Liverpool right away and could play as soon as the second match of the season. Parma, facing a tough season, will need to replace Leoni quickly as they try to avoid relegation after just returning to Serie A. All eyes are now on the deal’s closing stages and Slot’s plans for his new defender.