Giovanni Leoni is closing in on a move to Liverpool after an impressive breakout campaign with Parma in Serie A.
The Reds are accelerating plans to bolster their central defensive options after the Community Shield loss against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Although TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey exclusively revealed Marc Guehi has not yet agreed terms on a move to Anfield, it appears only a matter of time before the 25-year-old’s move is finalised.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool will look to complete deals for both Guehi and Leoni in the coming weeks, following widespread reports that only one of them will make the switch this summer.
Outside of Italian football, Leoni is relatively unknown; so, who is he? Here’s everything you need to know about the soon-to-be Liverpool man.
Who is Liverpool transfer target Giovanni Leoni?
The young Italian centre-back rose through the ranks at Parma during the 2023/24 season as he made 12 first-team appearances, helping his side lift the Serie B title and return to the top-flight.
Since then, Leoni struggled for opportunities in Serie A until the second half of the campaign, when he established himself as a first-team regular.
Leoni has captured the attention of the biggest sides in Europe with a string of impressive displays, including his efforts in wins against Juventus and Lazio.
Napoli's Belgian forward #11 Romelu Lukaku fights for the ball with Parma's Italian defender #46 Giovanni Leoni
Photo by PIERO CRUCIATTI/AFP via Getty Images
He also contributed with his only goal of the campaign in a 2-1 loss against Cagliari, as he would go on to feature 17 times in Serie A for Parma.
Inter Milan are also credited with interest in Leoni but are believed to be unable to match the financial package on offer from the Premier League champions.
What have people said about Giovanni Leoni?
According to journalist Paul Joyce, Leoni is regarded as “one of the best of the young centre-backs in Europe” ahead of a potential move to Anfield.
Liverpool have been in the market for a young centre-back option for a number of years, and this summer alone, the Reds targeted Dean Huijsen before his move to Real Madrid.
Chelsea’s Levi Colwill and Manchester United’s Leny Yoro, prior to his move to Old Trafford, have also featured on the shortlist, but moves for the pair failed to materialise due to concerns over game time.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are the preferred centre-back pairing at Anfield, and despite the potential arrivals of Guehi and Leoni, it is a daunting task for any young defender to look to disrupt the status quo.
However, Leoni appears to have all the qualities needed to make an immediate impact in the Premier League, according to journalist Maxi Angelo.
“Giovanni Leoni is a big talent in Italy. His standout qualities are his anticipation, positioning/tactical understanding, and timing in tackles/aerial duels. With his 196cm frame, he brings a physical presence and combines it nicely with good speed. Also very mature/calm under pressure.”
Profile
How old is Giovanni Leoni?
Leoni is 18 years old. He was born on 21 December 2006, in Rome, Italy.
How tall is Giovanni Leoni?
The Italian is 1.95 metres in height, translating to approximately 6 feet 5 inches tall.
What is Giovanni Leoni’s preferred position?
Leoni primarily plays at centre-back and exclusively operated in the position during his breakout year at Parma in the 2023/24 campaign but has since also featured at right-back in Serie A.
What is Giovanni Leoni’s Instagram?
You can find Giovanni Leoni on Instagram under @giovannileonii.