Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool ‘Seriously Considering’ Move to Sign 18-year-old Defender | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Summer Transfer Plans: Serie A Defender on the Radar

The summer transfer window is always a pivotal time for football clubs, and Liverpool are certainly no exception. As the 2025/26 season approaches, speculation regarding new signings is rife, with recent reports suggesting that Liverpool are eyeing up a promising Serie A defender to bolster their defensive ranks.

According to Fabrizio Romano, one of the most trusted voices in transfer news, Liverpool are seriously considering a move for Parma’s 18-year-old prodigy, Giovanni Leoni. His rapid rise through Italian football has not gone unnoticed, with Parma now valuing him at around €40million.

With the Reds facing the task of defending their Premier League crown, the addition of fresh defensive talent could prove crucial to manager Arne Slot’s plans. The departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the summer has left Liverpool with only three senior centre-backs—Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez. The latter is currently sidelined with an Achilles injury, making the acquisition of another defensive option even more pressing.

Leoni’s Rapid Rise in Italian Football

Giovanni Leoni has been making waves in Serie A, with his impressive performances for Parma earning him recognition as one of the brightest young defensive talents in Italy. Despite his tender age, Leoni has already accumulated 17 appearances for the club, showcasing his maturity and composure in the heart of the defence.

Photo: IMAGO

Parma are understandably keen to hold on to their rising star, rejecting a €35million bid from Bournemouth earlier this summer. However, it seems that Leoni’s future could lie elsewhere, with top clubs like Liverpool showing significant interest. At €40million, the price tag reflects both his potential and the rapidly growing demand for young, talented defenders in Europe.

Liverpool’s Transfer Strategy and Defensive Reinforcements

Liverpool’s transfer strategy this summer has been clear—strengthen key areas of the squad to help defend their Premier League title. So far, manager Arne Slot has made several high-profile signings, including Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz, all of whom will add depth to the squad and increase competition for starting spots.

However, defensive reinforcements remain a priority. The Reds have also been linked with a move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, but Leoni seems to be one of the more likely candidates. The addition of another quality centre-back would give Slot more flexibility in his defensive line, particularly with the injury concerns surrounding Joe Gomez.

The Importance of Fresh Blood in Defence

Liverpool’s defensive line was often under scrutiny last season, with injuries and inconsistency proving problematic at times. Virgil van Dijk, while still one of the best defenders in the world, has seen his form dip in recent months. Ibrahima Konaté’s performances have been solid, but having an additional quality option to rotate with could ensure Liverpool’s backline remains strong throughout the gruelling Premier League campaign.

Leoni’s potential arrival would not only provide much-needed depth but could also serve as an investment for the future. With his rapid development in Serie A, he could quickly adapt to the Premier League’s demands and emerge as a key player in Liverpool’s long-term defensive plans.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As a Liverpool supporter, it’s hard not to feel a sense of cautious optimism regarding the club’s approach to this summer’s transfer business. After the departure of Jarell Quansah, there was an obvious gap in the squad, and while the initial focus seemed to be on attacking reinforcements, the need for defensive depth was equally pressing.

With Joe Gomez’s Achilles injury and the current fragility of our defensive options, bringing in a player like Giovanni Leoni seems like a smart move. While £40million might seem like a hefty price tag for a teenager, his potential could be immense. If Liverpool can secure his services, he could develop into a key figure in the years to come.

Moreover, the fact that the Reds are also reportedly eyeing experienced options like Marc Guehi speaks to their commitment to building a well-rounded squad. With manager Arne Slot now at the helm, it’s clear that there is a shift in how Liverpool are approaching transfers—balancing immediate needs with long-term planning.

However, as we’ve seen in the past, football transfers are never straightforward, and any potential deal for Leoni will likely face stiff competition. What’s clear is that Liverpool are determined to keep pushing forward and ensuring they have the squad depth required to compete at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe.