Liverpool are exploring defensive options this summer and Parma’s Giovanni Leoni is among the names under consideration.

With Virgil van Dijk rested and Joe Gomez battling to recover from an Achilles issue, Arne Slot has had to improvise at the back during pre-season.

While Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch offer versatility, the club remains in the market for a long-term central defender.

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According to Paul Joyce of The Times, Leoni is one of the players Liverpool are tracking.

The 18-year-old Italian has impressed with his maturity and tactical awareness, earning praise from coaches and interest from top Serie A clubs.

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During a 2023 interview as a 16-year-old Padova player, Leoni named Virgil van Dijk and Chris Smalling as his role models.

Now with Parma, he’s earned 17 Serie A appearances and scored once in over 1,200 minutes of top-flight action.

Leoni’s football IQ has been widely praised.

Former Sampdoria assistant coach Roberto Baronio described him as “smart,” pointing out the teenager’s knack for reading attackers and handling pressure with composure.

Baronio added:

“These are subtleties, tricks that only an experienced player can possess, when he already knows the player he’s facing.

Leoni already has this cunning.”

Italian giants Juventus, Inter and AC Milan have all been linked with the teenager.

Reports suggest his price tag sits between €25 million and €30 million (£21m–£25m).

While Liverpool haven’t made an official move, they remain in contact with multiple defensive targets, including Marc Guehi.

Leoni’s admiration for Van Dijk, tactical nous and rapid development make him a profile that fits the club’s recruitment strategy.

Whether Liverpool make a concrete move remains to be seen, but the interest signals a clear intention to reinforce at the back before the window closes.

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