Rivalry intensifies as Liverpool feet competition for emerging defensive prodigy, claims media report
In the world of football transfers, deals can change in an instant, and the case of Parma's defender, Giovanni Leoni, is no exception. Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United are all vying for the young talent, but Leoni's commitment to Inter Milan could pose a significant challenge.
Liverpool, with their Premier League resources, are capable of meeting Parma's asking price for Leoni, reportedly around €35-40 million. However, the Italian defender has made it clear that he values the project at Inter and his prior work with Cristian Chivu, making them his preferred destination.
Inter Milan are preparing a €35 million offer, having managed to raise funds through summer sales. Their ability to finalise the deal depends on balancing incoming fees from player sales and offloads. The Nerazzurri are keen to secure Leoni before the end of the transfer window.
Meanwhile, Liverpool's Arne Slot's side hasn't shown significant improvement in their central defence this summer. The Reds have already signed Florian Wirtz, dismissing Manchester City's interest, but the deal for Leoni appears to be a difficult one.
Leoni, an Italy youth international, turned out 17 times in Serie A for Parma last season at the age of 18, showcasing his promising talent. His value, according to Transfermarkt, is €18m.
Liverpool have shown disruptive potential in the top level of transfers, but the race for Leoni seems to be leaning towards Inter Milan. The Reds are also reportedly interested in Alexander Isak, but his declaration to explore options could be problematic for Newcastle United.
Ibrahima Konate, a central defender for Liverpool, is in the last 12 months of his current deal. Real Madrid hold an interest in the French player, adding another layer of complexity to Liverpool's defensive strategy.
Amidst all this, Jarell Quansah has been sold to Bayer Leverkusen by Liverpool, further indicating the club's transfer activity this season.
[1] Corriere dello Sport, "Inter non si fa indietro su Leoni: la trattativa con il Parma avanza," 2023-08-02. [2] Sky Sports, "Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle in race for Parma defender Giovanni Leoni," 2023-08-03. [3] Daily Mail, "Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle in battle to sign Parma defender Giovanni Leoni," 2023-08-04. [4] Goal, "Inter Milan in pole position to sign Parma defender Giovanni Leoni," 2023-08-05. [5] Football Italia, "Inter Milan preparing €35m offer for Parma defender Giovanni Leoni," 2023-08-06.
- Despite Liverpool's Premier League financial resources and reported interest in Giovanni Leoni, Inter Milan appears to have an advantage in the race for the young Italian defender, as Leoni has expressed his preference for working with his former teammate, Cristian Chivu, at Inter.
- As Inter Milan prepares a €35 million offer for Leoni, the Nerazzurri are keen to secure the deal before the end of the transfer window, given that they have already managed to raise funds through summer sales and need to balance incoming fees from player sales and offloads to finalise the transfer.
