Liverpool ‘Interested’ in Signing 18-year-old Serie A Wonderkid – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Summer Plans Take Shape: Giovanni Leoni on the Radar

Liverpool’s summer transfer window is heating up, with news emerging from Give Me Sport that the Premier League champions are eyeing Parma’s 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni. This revelation, first reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, offers fascinating insight into Arne Slot’s recruitment strategy as he looks to build on a historic debut season that saw Liverpool lift the league title.

Focus on Future Defence

Liverpool’s interest in Leoni is notable not only because of his potential, but also because of what it says about the club’s defensive situation. With Ibrahima Konate’s contract talks reportedly stalling and Real Madrid lurking, the Reds seem to be preparing for life beyond the Frenchman.

Leoni, who stands at an imposing 6 ft 5, enjoyed a breakout season in Serie A, making 17 appearances and scoring once across more than 1,200 minutes. As Give Me Sport reports, “Parma reportedly value Leoni at €40m (£35m) this summer – a figure that poses a problem for long-term admirers Inter Milan.” Liverpool, however, have the financial muscle to compete.

Photo: IMAGO

While Marc Guehi remains Liverpool’s top defensive target this summer, Leoni is viewed more as one for the future. The combination of Guehi’s Premier League experience and Leoni’s raw talent would give Slot both immediate reinforcements and long-term security at the back.

Striker Hunt Continues

Alongside defensive reinforcements, Liverpool’s pursuit of attacking firepower continues. The Reds have already made an approach for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, reportedly preparing a record-breaking £120m bid. Yet, as Give Me Sport outlines, “Newcastle remain reluctant to sell.”

Liverpool’s ambition under Slot is clear. Adding both a proven Premier League striker and investing in defensive talent like Leoni signals a club not content to rest on last season’s success. This dual approach balances immediate squad needs with long-term squad evolution.

Financial Commitment and Ambition

The reported €40m price tag for Leoni is not insignificant, especially for a player with just one full season of senior football. Yet Liverpool’s interest indicates they are ready to take calculated risks to stay ahead of the competition.

As Give Me Sport points out, “Liverpool are expected to sign a new centre-back this summer amid growing doubts over Ibrahima Konate’s long-term future at the club.” Should Konate leave, Slot will need more than just Guehi – he will need depth and future leaders.

What Next for Liverpool?

While much of the media focus remains on the big-money chase for Isak, the Leoni link underlines the broader vision at Anfield. Slot is clearly intent on refreshing and rebalancing the squad, ensuring Liverpool stay competitive on multiple fronts.

If Liverpool can secure both Guehi and Leoni, it would be a defensive statement of intent. Add Isak into the mix, and Slot’s men could enter the new season not just as champions, but as clear favourites to retain their crown.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this report sparks real excitement. Arne Slot has already proven himself by guiding the Reds to the Premier League title in his debut season, and now he’s showing he’s no one-season wonder. The move for Giovanni Leoni is especially intriguing. Fans might ask, why focus on an 18-year-old with limited experience? But that’s exactly the kind of forward-thinking recruitment that has kept Liverpool at the top.

Leoni’s height and presence suggest he could develop into a dominant figure, something the club will need if Konate moves on. While Marc Guehi feels like the ‘ready-now’ signing, Leoni would be a long-term project who could be shaped in Slot’s system.

There’s also something reassuring about the club’s ambition. Going after both Isak and Leoni shows Liverpool aren’t just reacting to gaps but proactively building a squad with depth and competition in every area. Fans will be especially eager to see how Slot integrates young talents into an already-winning side.

With smart signings, Liverpool can continue their dominance, and the thought of Leoni learning alongside Virgil van Dijk, Guehi and possibly Isak in attack makes the future look very bright indeed.