EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool's immediate reaction to real Giovanni Leoni price-tag

Liverpool are in the market for Giovanni Leoni. Here's their immediate reaction to the Parma star's price tag.

Liverpool are looking into a deal for Giovanni Leoni. It's one that's been reported everywhere by now, with reports in Italy breaking the news last month.

A deal makes sense. Leoni is one of the brightest centre-back prospects in world football, establishing himself in Serie A at just 18.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

Liverpool are also very much in the market for a centre-back. Jarell Quansah left the club this summer for Bayer Leverkusen and a replacement never arrived.

Ibrahima Konate's contract also expires in a year's time and there are strong rumours of a move to Real Madrid. Liverpool need to get ahead of the situation, essentially forcing a transfer before this window shuts.

Leoni is an interesting one as he'd eventually meet homegrown status if he joins this month. That's something Liverpool need to consider after several homegrown players left in this window, including Quansah.

Fabrizio Romano also predicts that Leoni would be Liverpool's signing over Marc Guehi.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas away range

Giovanni Leoni's price

Anfield Watch understands Liverpool rate Leoni very highly and that he’s at the top of their shortlist with one or two others. Parma want €50m to sell him, however, creating a problem.

Chelsea have seen an offer of around €35m - €40m rejected in this window as Parma stick to that valuation. But it’s a valuation that essentially has clubs paying for Leoni’s fulfilled potential before it’s actually realised.

Liverpool aren’t sure about doing that. They may prefer to wait a year before pursuing a deal, giving Leoni another year to establish himself.

Ultimately, and as with so many other players who eventually joined Liverpool, the club would prefer to pay more next summer for a sure-thing than take a gamble right now. At the same time, Leoni’s potential homegrown status and the definite need to sign a defender makes the risk a lot more tempting.

This is certainly one of the major deals to watch before the window shuts. Exactly what Liverpool will do isn’t entirely clear - but they’ll have to make a decision one way or another.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range 

Liverpool agree to sell contract rebel for €55m

Fabrizio Romano CONFIRMS Alexander Isak decision

Real Madrid want to use Florian Wirtz in Rodrygo deal