Liverpool have reportedly “watched” a centre-back who has been described as an “MVP” for his club in the past, with the Reds considering him an alternative to Marc Guehi.
With Jarell Quansah now at Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool’s need for another centre-back is becoming more urgent. The search has so far led to several names, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi standing out as a prime target—but now a younger, potentially smarter option has entered the frame.
According to David Lynch via This Is Anfield, Liverpool have been keeping close tabs on Parma’s Giovanni Leoni and Wolfsburg’s Konstantinos Koulierakis. The focus is clearly on youth and potential, and 18-year-old Leoni fits that bill perfectly.
The Italian defender already has 17 senior appearances for Parma, and he’s been on the radar at international level, featuring for Italy’s Under-18 and Under-19 sides. His talent hasn’t gone unnoticed, with former coach Christian Chivu praising his maturity and upside despite his age.
“Leoni doesn’t seem so young,” Chivu noted. “He has significant room for improvement… he deserves the MVP award, but I’ll also point out the mistakes.”
While Guehi would be a more proven option and likely offer immediate Premier League quality, the hefty transfer fee and limited guarantee of starting minutes could make him a tough sell. With van Dijk and Konaté still the clear first-choice pairing, Guehi might be reluctant to play second fiddle.
In contrast, Leoni would arrive with a different mindset. He’d be expected to grow into the role over time, starting with cup games and lower-pressure fixtures, all while learning from van Dijk—one of the modern game’s best defensive leaders. That development pathway could benefit both the club and the player in the long term.
Guehi may still be Liverpool’s top defensive target, but with the club balancing financial prudence and future planning, Leoni is a name that’s gaining traction.