Liverpool chasing giant player who idolises Chris Smalling and is loved by Andrea Pirlo

Liverpool chasing giant player who idolises Chris Smalling and is loved by Andrea Pirlo

Liverpool have been active in the transfer window as Arne Slot looks to revamp his Premier League-winning squad for the fresh season, and it appears as though the Dutchman is not done yet

Liverpool are linked with Giovanni Leoni (Image: 2025 Parma Calcio 1913)

Liverpool aren't done yet in the transfer window, with the Reds working on a deal for Parma star Giovanni Leoni. The 18-year-old centre-back impressed in Serie A last season and can count Andrea Pirlo among his supporters.

‌

Leoni is under contract with Parma in Serie A until 2029, but the Italian sensation has caught the eye of Arne Slot. The Liverpool boss has made no secret of his desire to strengthen his defence, with a move for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi also in the works.

‌

As per reports, Liverpool have now entered negotiations for Leoni, who will be a part of Slot's first team squad immediately should a deal come to fruition. Outside of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool are relatively strapped for choice with regards to centre-halves after the departure of Jarrell Quansah for Bayer Leverkusen.

‌

Liverpool vs Newcastle clash could provide clearest indication for Alexander Isak READ MORE:

But what do we know about Leoni given that the star has only just emerged as a Liverpool target? Here, Mirror Football breaks it down...

Giovanni Leoni would become one of the tallest players at Liverpool

Towering at around 6'4'', Leoni would be a sentinel with regards to set pieces for Liverpool, whether that be defensive clearances from corners or scoring with his head at the other other end of the pitch. And he would also become Liverpool's joint-second-tallest squad player if a move is completed.

That's because he is the same height as Van Dijk and Rhys Williams, who are also known for their aerial prowess. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is currently Liverpool's tallest player, coming in at a staggering 6'6''.

Article continues below

Giovanni Leoni has impressed with Parma (Image: Getty Images)

Andrea Pirlo is a fan of him

Before signing for Parma, Leoni played under the watchful eye of Pirlo at Sampdoria, walking away from his tenure with the Serie B side having impressed the Italian legend. Speaking about Leoni after he made his debut for Parma, Pirlo said: "I am very happy for him. We are dealing with a fantastic boy and I was sure he would make it to Serie A. He deserves it."

Elsewhere, speaking about his character last March during his initial loan spell with Sampdoria, Pirlo explained: "If someone had doubts about starting him from the first minute, I had none. I see him every day in training. He played as a mature youngster; he will become a strong footballer."

‌

Andrea Pirlo was impressed by Giovanni Leoni (Image: Getty Images)

He idolises Virgil van Dijk and Chris Smalling

Should Leoni complete a move to Liverpool, he will have the chance to play alongside one of his footballing inspirations in Van Dijk. He has also shared his adoration of former Manchester United centre-half, Chris Smalling. Speaking about his influences during his time with Padova, he said: "I take inspiration from van Dijk and Smalling."

All things considering, Van Dijk and Smalling are two incredible players to look up to in today's game, given the respective careers they have enjoyed. Van Dijk has two Premier League titles and a Champions League to his name with Liverpool, while Smalling has hoisted two league titles and an FA Cup with United.

‌

It comes as Liverpool are also said to be chasing a deal for Crystal Palace captain, Guehi. The 25-year-old is currently in his final year of contract at Selhurst Park meaning he could leave on a free next summer, with the Eagles slapping a £40m valuation on him as a result.

The Reds are said to be long-time admirers of Guehi, who has been capped 23 times by England, and are said to have agreed personal terms. All that remains to be seen now is whether Liverpool can agree on Palace's valuation, of if they will try to wangle the Community Shield winners down as a result of already spending big this summer.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Article continues below

Click here to read article