West Ham United will reportedly compete with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur to sign 18-year-old Italian defensive wonderkid Giovanni Leoni from Parma this summer.
According to a report by Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Giovanni Leoni is the subject of interest from West Ham United. The Hammers are keen on signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window and have set their sights on the Parma wonderkid. Meanwhile, the Italian defensive sensation is also a target for Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, with the Serie A club demanding around €35 million to part ways with him.
The rising stock of Giovanni Leoni
Giovanni Leoni is the latest highly-rated prospect to rise in prominence in his homeland. The 18-year-old has spent his formative years thus far in Italy, graduating from the youth division at Calcio Padova. However, the Rome native has burst into the spotlight since joining Serie A club Parma Calcio from Sampdoria last summer.
The Italian wonderkid has turned out 17 times thus far for the Serie A club while chipping in with one goal. Meanwhile, Leoni’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Premier League outfits, in particular, are keen on signing him, with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.
A man in demand
Liverpool must start planning for life after Virgil van Dijk, with the veteran Dutch defender on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career. In addition, Ibrahima Konate faces an uncertain future at Anfield after entering the final 12 months of his contract. With Joe Gomez constantly struggling with fitness issues, Leoni has emerged as a viable target for Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Giovanni Leoni is baffling but understandable. Kota Takai has bolstered the North London club’s defensive unit, and Luka Vuskovic is a potential long-term solution in the final third. However, Cristian Romero’s long-term future is uncertain, forcing Tottenham to pursue a young centre-back.
As for West Ham United, Jean-Clair Todibo failed to make his mark after arriving from OGC Nice last summer. In addition, Konstantinos Mavropanos has been inconsistent throughout his spell with the East London club. So, Leoni is a viable target for West Ham, with Parma’s asking price of €35 million making him an appealing target.
Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur should also have no qualms about forking out €35 million to sign Leoni from the Serie A club in the summer transfer window. While Liverpool and Tottenham can offer UEFA Champions League football, the 18-year-old Italian wonderkid should receive more game time at West Ham. So, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the youngster.
