Liverpool Are Stepping Up Their Efforts To Land This Serie A Centre-Back: Should Slot Go For Him? | OneFootball

In a recent report, The Times (subscription required) revealed that Liverpool are stepping up their efforts to land Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni this summer. It is believed that the Reds are eager to get a deal done for the Italian defender in this summer transfer window.

Leoni’s Rapid Rise In Serie A

Leoni managed to shine with his performances at the centre of the Parma defence in the previous campaign. The Italian defensive ace featured in 17 senior matches for the Italian club last season, scoring one goal in the process across all fronts.

The 18-year-old was a solid presence on the defensive end of the field and deserves some credit for making 14 tackles, 20 blocks and 15 interceptions in Serie A. He even distributed possession relatively well based on his pass completion rate of 87.7% in top-flight football (stats via fbref.com).

Leoni is under contract at Parma until the summer of 2029. Thus, the Reds would have to make a decent offer if they want to lure the Italian centre-half to Anfield in this transfer period.

MERANO, ITALY – MARCH 21: Giovanni Leoni of Italy U18 during the International Friendly match between Italy U18 and AustriaU18 at Stadio Gianpiero Combi on March 21, 2024 in Merano, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Should Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Go For Leoni?

Leoni is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the front foot and can use his strong 1.96m frame to win his fair share of aerial duels on the defensive end of the field.

The Italian sensation mainly functions as a centre-back but can also fill in as a right-back if required. However, he is still quite raw and would need time to adjust to the high intensity of the Premier League if the Reds manage to bring him on board this summer.

Leoni would add more bite and steel to Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s backline. He is good enough to serve as a useful squad player for the Merseyside club in the coming seasons.

At 18, Leoni has got a promising future ahead of him. He will also help the Reds challenge across all competitions in the future. Thus, Slot would be wise to go for a player of Leoni’s potential before the end of this summer transfer window.