Mansion Sports - Liverpool are reportedly on the verge of securing the signing of highly promising Italian defender Giovanni Leoni, a move that would push their total spending in this summer’s transfer window beyond £300 million (approximately $407.1 million).

The acquisition is part of the club’s broader effort to strengthen their squad following last season’s Premier League title triumph, with a particular focus on shoring up a backline that has shown vulnerability.

Despite having bolstered several areas of the pitch, central defence remains Liverpool’s most pressing weakness. 

Ibrahima Konaté is entering the final year of his contract, while squad depth has been reduced following the sale of Jarell Quansah.

Liverpool’s Transfer Focus: Leoni vs. Guéhi

Before turning their attention to Leoni, Liverpool had been pursuing Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guéhi, with an initial valuation of around £30 million ($40.5 million). 

However, negotiations for Leoni are reportedly far more advanced. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has already marked the deal with his signature phrase, “Here we go.”

The Reds are expected to pay Parma around €35 million (£30.2 million or $40.9 million) for the 18-year-old. 

The agreement will also include a sell-on clause, allowing Parma to benefit financially should Leoni be sold in the future.

Immediate First-Team Role for Leoni

Remarkably, despite his young age, Leoni is expected to join Arne Slot’s first-team squad immediately. Romano confirmed that a potential loan move “was never discussed” during negotiations.

If Liverpool complete the Leoni signing and continue their pursuit of Guéhi before the September 1 transfer deadline, the club’s defensive unit would receive a substantial boost in both the short and long term. 

This could prove crucial, given that Konaté may leave on a free transfer next summer, while Virgil van Dijk will be approaching 36 by the time his current contract expires in 2027.

Giovanni Leoni’s Career Path So Far

Leoni has made just 33 senior appearances in his career to date, including 17 Serie A matches for Parma last season. 

The towering centre-back began his career at Padova before spending the 2023–24 campaign on loan at Sampdoria in Serie B. Sampdoria later activated their purchase option but quickly sold him on to Parma.

Liverpool’s move for Leoni signals a clear intent to build a defensive foundation that can serve the club well beyond the current campaign, acting as a long-term investment for the post-Van Dijk and post-Konaté era.