Report: Spurs eye €30–40m defender as part of long-term defensive rebuild | OneFootball

Tottenham Target Italian Starlet Giovanni Leoni – A Bold Move for the Future?

Spurs Join Elite European Clubs in Pursuit of Parma Prodigy

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly on the brink of making an “official move” for Parma’s rising star Giovanni Leoni, as per Caught Offside. The highly-rated 18-year-old Italian defender has been turning heads with a string of composed and commanding performances in Serie A, and it appears Spurs are now ready to test Parma’s resolve.

Leoni, a standout for Italy’s U19 side, is attracting significant interest across Europe. Premier League rivals Newcastle United are also in the frame, while Italian giants Juventus, AC Milan, Inter, Napoli and Bologna are monitoring him closely. French side Marseille are also keeping tabs.

Parma are believed to have slapped a €30–40 million price tag on their young asset and are not willing to entertain offers below that threshold. For Spurs, who are looking to bolster their defensive options, this could represent a long-term solution to issues at the back.

Leoni Tipped to Make Immediate Impact

According to the original report, sources have revealed that both Tottenham and Newcastle are “close to making an official move” for Leoni. While his age might suggest he’s a project for the future, his maturity on the pitch hints at someone ready for the big stage.

Photo: IMAGO

“Leoni has been on the radar of clubs like Liverpool,” notes Caught Offside, and it’s easy to see why. The defender’s blend of defensive awareness, calmness in possession, and physical presence make him one of Europe’s most intriguing young prospects.

Spurs’ Defensive Plans in Flux

With Cristian Romero rumoured to be on the radar of clubs elsewhere, Spurs could soon find themselves needing reinforcements at centre-back. Leoni might not be a like-for-like replacement in terms of experience, but his potential upside is immense.

“Signing a talented young defender like Giovanni Leoni could prove to be a shrewd investment,” the article suggests — and it’s hard to argue. With Premier League minutes and top-tier coaching, Leoni’s development could soar.

Tottenham fans have grown accustomed to uncertainty at the back in recent seasons. Bringing in a player like Leoni – who combines technical skill with composure – could be the kind of smart, forward-looking business that sets the club up for success.

Strategic Gamble or Masterstroke?

Whether Spurs choose to meet Parma’s valuation remains to be seen. But if they do, and if Leoni continues on his current trajectory, they may look back at this summer as a defining moment in their squad rebuild.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Spurs fan’s perspective, this feels like the kind of transfer that represents both hope and risk. On the one hand, investing €30–40 million in an 18-year-old with only a handful of top-flight appearances is a bold move — one that signals the club’s desire to plan for the future, rather than opting for quick fixes.

But it also raises valid questions. Are Spurs prioritising potential over experience at a time when stability is sorely needed at the back? With Cristian Romero’s future uncertain, some fans might have preferred a seasoned defender who can lead right away rather than a teenage talent still cutting his teeth.

That said, Leoni seems to have the right profile for Thomas Frank’s system — confident in possession, capable of progressing play from deep, and strong in one-on-one situations. His performances for Parma and the Italy U19s point to a maturity beyond his years.

For many supporters, this transfer – if completed – would be exciting, even if a little nervy. It signals a club looking beyond the present, and perhaps learning from past mistakes of short-termism. If Leoni fulfils his promise, Spurs could be landing a future star before his price skyrockets.