New Liverpool centre-back deal hinges on Giovanni Leoni decision

Liverpool began the process of overhauling their centre-back department last summer.

Giovanni Leoni, now 19, was brought in from Serie A side Parma for £26m. Disaster struck for the teenager on debut however as he was afflicted with an ACL injury which is expected to sideline him until the beginning of next season.

Leoni is one of several promising young defenders coming into the club during a process of radical transformation. Jeremy Jacquet and Ifeanyi Ndukwe will come on board in summer while Mor Talla Ndiaye was recruited in January.

But there have been reports that sporting director Richard Hughes won’t stop there. Other centre-backs from Alessandro Bastoni to Micky van de Ven and plenty more in between have been associated with an Anfield arrival.

But it looks like plans to recruit a new defender will be put on ice should Leoni respond favourably to a return to the training pitch in the upcoming weeks and months.

Leoni will be given a chance

Mondo Primavera is reporting that Liverpool’s transfer activity at centre-back this summer will hinge on how well the Italian recovers.

Due to re-join first-team training by the end of April Liverpool should have a clearer picture of Leoni’s long-term fitness by the time pre-season rolls around.

And if it looks like the player is set for a longer-than-expected convalescing period we could well see the sporting director move on for new targets.

“Leoni's recovery will inevitably influence the management's summer moves,” the report reads.

“The club has already made it clear it doesn't want to "stockpile" young central defenders if those in the squad offer guarantees.

“If Leoni confirms his progress in the May tests, the prospects for other names could cool dramatically.

“The plan for next season seems clear: if Leoni's knee responds well to the preseason training, Liverpool will avoid heavy investments in other prospects, focusing entirely on the former Parma player's development.

“Conversely, a decisive push for new prospects would signal that doubts about the youngster's full fitness have not yet been completely dispelled.”

Leoni could move out on loan

Should Leoni fail to recover sufficient rhythm in order to become a first-team option in pre-season then there is a chance he could be loaned out.

Inter - under Cristian Chivu - are very interested in a deal for their former target although it would be a huge surprise if Liverpool added a purchase clause to any prospective deal.

Liverpool will be building for the future with Ibrahima Konate due to leave the club this summer and Virgil van Dijk as well as Joe Gomez to follow in 2027.

Leoni will be required to become a defensive leader in the seasons upcoming - and Arne Slot will be counting on the youngster to prove himself as he steps up his recovery.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Liverpool get GREEN light to sign Nico Schlotterbeck

👉🏻 Centre-back confirms he's ready to join Liverpool

👉🏻 Fabrizio Romano CONFIRMS belief £52m Liverpool target will agree move