Liverpool could easily win the race for ‘one of the most promising young centre-backs’ in Europe

Liverpool are in the middle of a summer transfer window that has already been exciting, intense, and full of big moves, but as the days go by and the clock continues to tick down, there is still one glaring issue that Arne Slot and the recruitment team need to fix — the centre-back position. Despite strengthening in attack and making smart signings in other areas, the Reds still find themselves with only three senior centre-backs available as the season approaches. For a club competing in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and other competitions, this is simply not enough. The need for a new defender is becoming urgent, and according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool could be in a very strong position to sign one of the brightest young talents in European football — Giovanni Leoni of Parma.

This isn’t just another transfer rumour plucked out of thin air. Leoni is already making waves in Serie A despite his young age, and the fact that he is being targeted by Italian giants Inter Milan and Juventus shows exactly how much potential he has. Yet Romano’s update makes it clear — if Liverpool decide to step into this race, the odds will swing heavily in their favour. The club’s new sporting director Richard Hughes, who knows the Italian football scene inside out, could use his experience and connections to make this happen. For Hughes, Leoni fits the exact profile Liverpool are looking for — young, physically imposing, technically gifted, and capable of developing into a world-class defender under the right guidance.

Leoni’s rise to prominence over the last year has been nothing short of impressive. Standing at a towering 6 feet 5 inches, he combines his height and strength with surprising agility and intelligence for someone so young. Last season, he made 17 appearances in Serie A for Parma, showing composure, aerial dominance, and the ability to read the game in a way that many experienced defenders still struggle with. His performances didn’t just help Parma defensively; they made scouts from top clubs across Europe sit up and take notice. For a teenager to adapt so quickly to one of the most tactical and defensively demanding leagues in the world speaks volumes about his potential.

Liverpool’s interest comes at a time when the squad’s defensive depth is a serious concern. With Virgil van Dijk now in the twilight years of his career, Ibrahima Konaté struggling with injury setbacks, and Joe Gomez often being used as a utility player across different positions, the Reds cannot afford to gamble on going into the season without reinforcements. Slot’s system relies heavily on building from the back, pressing high, and having defenders who are comfortable both in the air and with the ball at their feet. Leoni ticks those boxes. While signing him would be a move for the future, his physical profile means he could also step in immediately when called upon.

Romano’s comments shed further light on the situation: “Giovanni Leoni is very well liked at Liverpool. He’s highly regarded because he’s one of the most promising young centre-backs currently around. Everyone really likes Leoni — Inter, Juve, all the big clubs have made moves for him to understand the situation. But to date no one is in advanced, concrete negotiations with Parma, and Parma still hope to keep the player. It’s clear that if Liverpool were to decide on Leoni, that would change everything. It would be difficult for others to compete. They are looking for a young centre-back and he is on their shortlist. However, it’s not an advanced or finalised deal with an offer on the table, so patience will be needed.”

That last point is crucial — patience. Liverpool may be in a strong position, but football transfers are rarely straightforward, especially when the selling club is not actively trying to move the player on. Parma, understandably, want to keep hold of a young star who could become a cornerstone of their team for years to come. But football is a business, and if the right offer comes in, they will have a decision to make.

Reports suggest that Parma are asking for around £30 million for Leoni. For some clubs, that might seem like a steep fee for an 18-year-old with only one full Serie A season under his belt. For Liverpool, the price tag will be weighed carefully against their other transfer priorities. They have already invested heavily this summer, particularly in attacking options, and there’s still talk of possibly adding another forward before the window shuts. But in modern football, £30 million for a player who could serve the club for a decade is not outrageous — especially if he develops into a top-class defender.

It’s worth noting that Leoni isn’t Liverpool’s only option. The club have reportedly been looking at other young centre-backs, including Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge and Konstantinos Koulierakis of Wolfsburg. Both players fit the same general profile — young, physically strong, and with the potential to improve under Slot’s coaching team. The fact that Liverpool are exploring multiple targets shows they are determined not to be caught short in defence. But it also raises the question: will they commit fully to Leoni, or will they pivot to one of these other names if negotiations prove too complicated?

From a tactical point of view, Leoni offers several advantages. His height and aerial strength would make him a major asset in defending set-pieces — an area where Liverpool have sometimes struggled in recent seasons. Offensively, he could also be a threat in the opposition box, much like Van Dijk has been. More importantly, his composure on the ball fits perfectly into the style Slot wants to implement. In Serie A, he has already shown a willingness to step into midfield with the ball, pick out passes under pressure, and start attacks from deep. This type of ball-playing ability is increasingly essential for modern centre-backs, especially in a team like Liverpool that often faces compact defensive blocks.

There is also the matter of personality and mentality. By all accounts, Leoni is mature beyond his years, with a calmness that allows him to handle high-pressure situations. That is exactly the kind of character Liverpool value in their signings. Slot is building not just a squad of talented individuals but a united team with the right mindset to compete for major honours. Young players who can adapt to that culture are worth their weight in gold.

Of course, there are risks. The Premier League is a very different environment from Serie A — faster, more physical, and often less forgiving for young defenders. Many talented players have moved from Italy to England and struggled to adapt. Liverpool would need to manage Leoni carefully, perhaps giving him time to settle, learn the system, and adapt to the pace of English football. But with Van Dijk still around to mentor him, and Konaté as another example of a young defender who has grown into a key role, the pathway is there for him to succeed.

The timing of this potential move is also significant. With just over three weeks left in the transfer window, Liverpool cannot afford to let negotiations drag on for too long. They have been in situations before where they pursued a target for weeks only to miss out at the last minute. If they truly believe Leoni is the right choice, decisive action will be required. The sooner a player is brought in, the more time he has to integrate into the squad before the season gets into full swing.

Inter Milan and Juventus are still watching closely, and their interest cannot be underestimated. Both clubs have the financial power and prestige to make a compelling case to Leoni. However, Liverpool’s advantage lies in their recent track record of developing young players into world-class stars. From Trent Alexander-Arnold to Darwin Núñez and Dominik Szoboszlai, the club has shown they can give talented youngsters a platform to shine at the highest level. For an ambitious player like Leoni, that could be a major factor.

In truth, this transfer battle could come down to Liverpool’s willingness to commit financially and move quickly. Hughes’ understanding of the Italian market might give them a head start, but as always in football, nothing is guaranteed until the deal is signed. For now, Leoni remains on the shortlist, and Liverpool fans will be watching closely to see if this promising link develops into something concrete.

If the Reds can pull it off, it could be one of the smartest moves of the summer — a signing for both the present and the future. Leoni’s combination of physical dominance, tactical awareness, and composure under pressure makes him an exciting prospect, and with the right guidance, he could be a fixture in Liverpool’s defence for years to come. But the window is closing, the competition is watching, and the decision now rests with Liverpool — whether to go all in for a player who could define the next generation of their backline.