Liverpool Scouts Track Parma’s Giovanni Leoni Amid Summer Defensive Plans
Attention turns to Serie A prospect
Liverpool’s recruitment strategy this summer has been methodical, focusing not only on strengthening key areas but also future-proofing a squad in transition. With several signings already confirmed, including the arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, attention has now shifted to central defence. The club is reportedly monitoring Parma’s 18-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni, according to Parma Today.
Leoni, who joined Parma from Sampdoria for £4.1 million, has enjoyed a rapid rise in Serie A and is now on the radar of some of Europe’s elite. Liverpool, among others, are said to be impressed by his physical and technical qualities, with Parma Today reporting: “The news is that his technical and athletic skills have impressed the scouts of the English champion Liverpool.”
Liverpool’s long-term strategy in defence
With Jarell Quansah having joined Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool are actively seeking a young centre-back to develop under the guidance of Arne Slot and the experienced Virgil van Dijk. Leoni fits the profile, with raw potential, intelligence in possession and room to evolve into a future first-choice defender.
The club’s recruitment model under Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes places a premium on emerging talent. Leoni’s performances for Parma have evidently piqued interest in Kirkby, where the club’s data-led approach to scouting continues to influence transfer priorities.
Parma hopeful of keeping rising star
Despite the attention, Parma remain hopeful of keeping Leoni. CEO Federico Cherubini told Sky: “There is also interest from abroad in Leoni… We said that his journey, in our opinion, has just begun in Parma and should continue.”
He added: “To date we have not had any opposing signals from Leoni or his entourage, we are convinced that he can stay in Parma, or in any case that it is the best thing for Parma and for the player himself. The market has just started, and anything can happen.”
That caveat may offer Liverpool encouragement. The Premier League club have shown willingness to invest early and decisively in young players before their price inflates. Should interest solidify into a formal approach, Parma may face a difficult decision if Leoni expresses a desire to move.
Leoni adds to growing shortlist
Leoni joins a growing list of young defenders Liverpool are believed to be considering. With Van Dijk now entering the twilight of his career and Ibrahima Konaté entering the final year of his contract, Slot’s squad is likely to require fresh legs at the back if Liverpool are to mount a sustained challenge across four competitions next season.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
The interest in Giovanni Leoni is the sort of smart, forward-thinking move that supporters have come to expect. The recruitment model has long prioritised youth with high ceilings, and Leoni, at 18, is already gaining top-flight experience in Italy.
Supporters have seen how effective these types of signings can be. The hope is always to find the next Robertson or Matip before they become unaffordable. In this case, the move for Leoni feels like a proactive solution to a defensive issue that has been quietly looming.
With Quansah’s departure and the occasional fragility shown by Konaté and Gomez, depth at centre-back is not just a luxury but a necessity. There will be understandable caution, given Leoni’s inexperience, but if the club’s scouts believe he fits the DNA, most fans will trust the process.
And let’s not forget, Anfield has always responded to defenders who play with heart and intelligence. If Leoni does arrive, he’ll be judged on those terms more than the price tag or passport.
