Liverpool are in the market for a new centre-back following the sale of Jarell Quansah earlier this summer, and the Reds are weighing up an approach for a highly-rated prospect
Giovanni Leoni playing for Parma
Liverpool are interested in Parma defender Giovanni Leoni(Image: Parma Calcio 1913 via Getty Images)
Liverpool are not finished in the transfer window as the Reds are stepping up their interest in Parma starlet Giovanni Leoni. The 18-year-old centre-back has been turning heads in Serie A, with Andrea Pirlo among his admirers.
Leoni is contracted to Parma until 2029, but the Italian prodigy has piqued interest from the Reds. The Liverpool manager has been open about his intention to bolster his defence and talks over Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi are underway.
However, Liverpool also hold an interest in Leoni, who made 17 appearances in Serie A last season. Aside from Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool's centre-back options are somewhat limited following Jarell Quansah's move to Bayer Leverkusen. Here is a closer look at the club's transfer target.
Leoni could become one of Liverpool's tallest players
Standing at approximately 6'4'', Leoni would be a formidable presence for Liverpool when it comes to set pieces, at either end of the pitch. If a move goes through, he would become the joint-second-tallest player in Liverpool's squad.
Leoni shares the same height as captain Virgil van Dijk and Rhys Williams. Currently, the Reds' tallest player is goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who stands at an impressive 6'6''.
Italian icon Pirlo is a known admirer
During his time at Sampdoria, under the guidance of Pirlo, Leoni left a lasting impression on the Italian icon. After Leoni made his debut for Parma, Pirlo expressed his delight: "I am very happy for him. We are dealing with a fantastic boy and I was sure he would make it to Serie A. He deserves it."
Andrea Pirlo looks on
Andrea Pirlo was impressed by Giovanni Leoni when he worked with him at Sampdoria
Pirlo also spoke highly of Leoni's character during his initial loan spell at Sampdoria last March, stating: "If someone had doubts about starting him from the first minute, I had none. I see him every day in training. He played as a mature youngster; he will become a strong footballer."
Leoni is a fan of Van Dijk and even Smalling
Should Leoni secure a move to Liverpool, he could have the opportunity to play alongside one of his footballing idols in Van Dijk. However, his second choice may not be welcomed by some supporters.
The teenager named former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling as one of the two players he has modelled his game on. "I take inspiration from van Dijk and Smalling," Leoni said during his time at Padova.
While Reds fans will have no issue with Leoni praising the club's Premier League-winning captain, the selection of Smalling is somewhat surprising. The 35-year-old won two league titles and three other major honours during his time with Liverpool's bitter rivals, but likely caught Leoni's attention during his time in Serie A.
Giovanni Leoni headers the ball
Giovanni Leoni's height would help Liverpool at set pieces(Image: Parma Calcio 1913 via Getty Images)
Smalling received plenty of plaudits during his five-year stint at Roma after leaving United. The centre-back was an integral part of the teams that won the Europa Conference League in 2022 and reached the Europa League final the following year.
Liverpool's interest in Leoni comes as the club are also reportedly pursuing a deal for Palace captain Guehi. The 25-year-old is in the final year of his contract, which means he could depart on a free next summer, leading the Eagles to place a £40m price tag on him.
The Reds are said to have already agreed personal terms with Guehi, who has earned 23 England caps.. All that remains now is whether Liverpool can agree to Palace's valuation.