Paul Joyce: Liverpool target €40m Parma star to fix defensive shortage
Defensive reinforcements become priority
With the Premier League season rapidly approaching, Liverpool's need for defensive reinforcements is no longer a hypothetical concern, but a growing necessity. Arne Slot is facing an increasingly fragile situation in central defence.
According to Paul Joyce in The Times, the club have now turned their attention to Parma's Giovanni Leoni, an 18-year-old centre-back whose potential has made him one of the most talked-about defensive prospects in Italy.
Photo IMAGO
Leoni, dubbed the 'new Fabio Cannavaro' by sections of the Italian media, is seen as a long-term solution but may also be thrust into a more immediate role given Liverpool's thin resources at the back.
Squad depth under strain
Virgil van Dijk, still the figurehead of Liverpool's defence, is now 34. Behind him, options are increasingly limited. Joe Gomez has already picked up an Achilles concern during pre-season, while Ibrahima Konaté is now in the final 12 months of his contract.
Photo: IMAGO
The sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £35 million, while profitable, has further depleted the pool. It leaves Slot with few dependable options and no clear successor to Van Dijk established.
Photo IMAGO
The interest in Leoni is a clear indication that the club are looking beyond short-term cover.
Talent recognised, but deal complex
Standing at 6'5' and already capped at Italy U19 level, Leoni has made just 17 Serie A appearances for Parma, yet his stock continues to rise.
Having only joined Parma from Sampdoria in a €4.8 million deal last summer, his progress has been described as 'meteoric'. His development from Padova's youth setup to Italy's top tier in under two years reflects the rapid trajectory Liverpool's scouting department have been monitoring.
Photo IMAGO
However, the financials and timing may be problematic. Parma reportedly want €40 million to part ways with Leoni, and Italian sources claim the player prefers to remain in Serie A, with Inter Milan currently favourites.
There is also a belief on the player's side that another year at Parma could boost his international chances ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
Liverpool fans are growing increasingly restless about the lack of clarity in central defence. The situation has been evolving all summer, but now it feels like it's finally reached a crunch point.
The interest in Giovanni Leoni is exciting. An 18-year-old, 6'5' ball-playing centre-back, already labelled the 'new Cannavaro', ticks a lot of boxes. Add to that the fact he considers Virgil van Dijk his idol, and it's easy to understand why supporters are intrigued.
But intrigue only gets you so far. This is not the time for long-term thinking alone. Liverpool's defensive department is paper-thin. With Gomez already flagged for fitness and Konaté's contract running down, there is no room for hesitation.
If Leoni is ready, and if he's open to moving, the club should move quickly. Otherwise, fans will want to see a more experienced alternative brought in before the window shuts. For now, Leoni represents promise, but Liverpool need presence.
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