Liverpool are in the Race to Sign £30m Defender This Summer – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool Lead Watchful Pack for Parma’s Rising Star Giovanni Leoni

Liverpool have emerged as one of the most attentive clubs in the race to sign teenage centre-back Giovanni Leoni, according to a report from Sport Witness, citing Corriere dello Sport. The Reds are joined by Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and now West Ham United, in what’s becoming an increasingly competitive pursuit for the Parma defender.

The 18-year-old has been earmarked as one of the most promising young defenders in Italian football, and Liverpool’s inclusion in the mix underlines just how serious the Merseyside club are about building long-term defensive depth under Arne Slot.

Parma’s €35m Price Tag Not a Deterrent

Parma are holding firm with their €35 million valuation of Leoni, which reflects not only the player’s potential but also the increasing demand for top-class young centre-backs across Europe. Despite the fee, interest from Liverpool appears genuine, especially with the club’s recruitment strategy now clearly favouring young, technically adept players.

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“Inter have ‘reserved’ the centre-back,” Corriere dello Sport report, but they also note that the Serie A giants must wait on funding from sales, particularly regarding Ademola Lookman, before they can make a concrete move. That delay is proving crucial, with Sport Witness highlighting that “Leoni is getting impatient,” and the report frames the interest from Liverpool and others as a “warning” to Inter.

Inter Milan Stalling Could Cost Them

The sense of urgency is palpable. Leoni is keen on a move to Inter Milan, but the longer they wait, the more realistic it becomes that he could end up elsewhere. With Cristian Chivu’s side juggling financial priorities, the teenager’s future is now firmly in the hands of those who are ready to act quickly.

Sport Witness adds, “the idea of a sale to other clubs is put forward quite strongly, especially if Inter take too much time.” This lends weight to the notion that Parma are open to selling outside of Italy if the price is right and the buyer is ready now, not later.

English Clubs Circle, But Liverpool Appeal Stands Out

Tottenham and Newcastle United have also been credited with interest, though there is little detail on how advanced their pursuits are. West Ham’s entry into the race, reported by Corriere dello Sport, seems more strategic than concrete — possibly an agent-driven effort to speed up negotiations with Inter.

Still, Liverpool’s interest feels more deliberate. With long-term succession planning needed behind Virgil van Dijk, Leoni could be groomed in the Slot era as a future leader at the back. He fits the club’s profile: intelligent on the ball, composed under pressure, and with the physical attributes to thrive in the Premier League.

Market Dynamics Favour Clubs Willing to Act

Leoni’s impatience and Inter’s hesitation have created a small window of opportunity. Whether Liverpool are truly ready to pay Parma’s €35 million asking price remains to be seen, but if they are, the deal could happen quickly. For now, the noise surrounding other English clubs may be just that — noise — unless one of them, Liverpool included, turns admiration into a bid.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This feels like the kind of move Liverpool should not hesitate on.

Giovanni Leoni might not yet be a household name on Merseyside, but his trajectory resembles the sort of signing Liverpool have made with great success in the past.

Arne Slot’s first season was historic and title-winning, but evolution is key. With the departures of Quansah and the inevitable need to manage minutes over a long campaign, having a player like Leoni in the squad could offer short-term rotational relief and long-term structural security.

Yes, €35 million is a hefty fee for an 18-year-old, but the market has shifted. Elite potential comes with a premium, and Liverpool have shown before they are willing to pay if the scouting reports justify it.

If Leoni is genuinely frustrated by Inter’s delay and is open to a Premier League switch, Liverpool should act. The club cannot always afford to wait and watch, especially with Tottenham, Newcastle and others lurking. And let’s face it, West Ham’s interest may be more bark than bite, but Spurs have financial power and Newcastle have ambition.

Leoni in red could be a significant part of Liverpool’s defensive rebuild and a strong early message that Arne Slot’s second season will be as forward-thinking as the first.