The Reds have had a productive summer, securing major signings and generating funds through savvy sales. However, manager Arne Slot and his recruitment team are under pressure to reinforce their backline as the new season approaches, with defensive depth a glaring concern.
Despite their pursuit of Newcastle's prolific striker Alexander Isak capturing headlines, Liverpool's need for a new centre-back has taken centre stage. With only Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez as senior options, the Reds are exposed to injuries.
Pre-season experiments with Wataru Endo, Andy Robertson, Kostas Tsimikas, and Ryan Gravenberch in defensive roles highlighted the lack of natural fits.
The Times journalist Paul Joyce reported that Liverpool have "strong interest" in Leoni, the 18-year-old Parma defender who made 17 Serie A appearances last season under former boss Christian Chivu, helping the Gialloblu stay in the top flight.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig described Leoni as "one of Europe's most complete teenage centre-backs," praising his 6ft 5in frame, aerial dominance, and composure.
Leoni's performances have also drawn attention from Inter Milan, now led by Chivu, as well as Tottenham, Newcastle, Juventus, and Barcelona.
In a 2023 interview, Leoni said, "I take inspiration from Van Dijk," a comment that could boost Liverpool's chances. However, Calciomercato reported that Leoni prefers staying at Parma to ensure regular minutes ahead of Italy's 2026 World Cup campaign.
Liverpool's interest in Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi persists, but only if Palace reduce their 50 million pounds valuation, with Guehi's contract nearing its final year.
Fabrizio Romano recently noted on X, "Liverpool really like Giovanni Leoni, a top talent at Parma," but clarified no talks are advanced, with Parma keen to retain their star for consistent game time.
Leoni fits Liverpool's strategy of blending youth with experience, offering long-term potential to develop under Slot alongside Van Dijk and Konate. While Guehi could provide an immediate challenge for a starting spot, Leoni's athleticism, physicality, and game intelligence make him a promising investment, though he needs to refine his distribution to reach elite status.
With Parma setting a 40 million euros price tag and competition intensifying, Liverpool must act swiftly to secure Leoni, dubbed the "new Fabio Cannavaro" by Italian media. As the transfer clock ticks, the Reds are poised to strengthen their defence and build a squad ready to compete on all fronts.
Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a devastating blow with confirmation that James Maddison will miss most of the 2025-26 season due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee.
Liverpool are reshaping their squad with high-stakes transfers, as Darwin Nunez's blockbuster move to Al-Hilal nears completion and Harvey Elliott edges toward a switch to RB Leipzig.
Everton have opened talks with Manchester City to secure a season-long loan for Jack Grealish, but city are insisting any deal covers the midfielder's hefty wages in full.
Chelsea are intensifying their pursuit of RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons as they aim to bolster their attacking options for the upcoming Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
