While Liverpool FC’s pusuit of Alexander Isak continues to rumble on, they’re moving swiftly to bring in defensive reinforcements, with the club in negotatiations with Crystal Palace for centre-back Marc Guehi.
However, Liverpool are also pursuing a separate deal for Parma’s 18-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni, reportedly for around €35m.
There were online suggestions that a Naby Keita or Giorgi Mamardashvili situation could occur, with Leoni signing for Liverpool but remaining on loan at Parma for the 2025/26 season. However, according to Fabrizio Romano, that’s not the case.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano also added this about what it took to convince the defender on a move to Merseyside:
I can tell you, and I think this is something important, there were reports in England about Leoni maybe not being convinced, that it will take some hard work to convince the player to go to England.”
“Guys, Leoni is super-excited about Liverpool and Liverpool project. So, personal terms are not an issue. Leoni is convinced.
“Who would not be convinced about joining Liverpool? One of the best projects in the world, ambitious coach, ambitious director, fantastic club.
“I think that’s absolutely pointless to mention that. So, Leoni wants to go to Liverpool. And now the two clubs are negotiating.”
“Negotiations are going with Parma for Leoni, with the player keen on the move. 18 years old, Italian defender, who did a fantastic season last season in Serie A, was wanted by all the top Italian clubs, but he is heading to Liverpool with negotiations underway.”
All in all, it looks like pretty impressive business for Liverpool. Swapping Jarell Quansah for Marc Guehi and adding one of Europe’s best prospects in Leoni will do a lot for fans who were sweating about depth at the centre-back position.