Liverpool Are Facing Stiff Competition For This Gifted Defender: One For The Future? | OneFootball

In a recent report, talkSPORT stated that Liverpool are facing stiff competition for Parma defender Giovanni Leoni this summer. It has been revealed that the Reds would have to rival Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and a few other Premier League clubs in the race to land the Italian centre-back this off-season.

Leoni’s Impressive Rise In Italian Football

Leoni enjoyed a decent run of form at the Italian club after he put in a run of impressive displays at the heart of their defence. The 18-year-old scored one goal in 17 matches for Parma last season across all fronts.

The Roma-born talent did well to make 14 tackles, 20 blocks and 15 interceptions in the Serie A. He has even been tidy when distributing possession from the back, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 87.7% in the Italian top tier (stats via fbref.com).

Leoni’s current contract at the Italian club will run out in the summer of 2029. Hence, it won’t be easy for the Reds to snap him up on the cheap this off-season.

MONZA, ITALY – MARCH 15: Giovanni Leoni of Parma in action during the Serie A match between Monza and Parma at U-Power Stadium on March 15, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

Liverpool Are Facing Stiff Competition For Leoni: Is He A Prospect For The Future?

Leoni is a tough-tackling defender who can time his challenges well to secure possession back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when needed on the defensive third of the field and is even proficient at playing his way out from the back.

Standing at 1.96m, Leoni is a strong presence in the air as well. However, he is still quite inexperienced at the highest level and would need time to prove his worth in the Premier League if the Reds manage to bring him on board this summer.

We can expect Leoni to add more bite and steel to Liverpool head coach Arne Slot’s defence in the long run. He is good enough to serve as a decent squad player at the Merseyside club next season.

At 18, Leoni is undoubtedly a prospect to watch out for in the future. Therefore, Liverpool would be wise to try everything they can to win the race for his services this summer. However, Slot has to be patient with his development before he can get the best out of the gifted centre-back.