Tottenham considering €25m bid for 18-year-old Italian wonderkid

Tottenham Preparing First Bid for Parma’s Rising Star Giovanni Leoni as Squad Overhaul Begins

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to make their first official move for highly-rated Parma defender Giovanni Leoni, as the North London club kickstarts its summer recruitment drive ahead of a pivotal 2025/26 campaign.

Following their memorable UEFA Europa League triumph in May, which secured them a coveted place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, Spurs are now looking to rebuild and reshape a squad that underperformed in the Premier League. Despite the European success, their domestic form was disappointing, culminating in a dismal 17th-place finish — a stark contrast to the club’s European glory.

Chairman Daniel Levy and newly appointed manager Thomas Frank now face the urgent task of revitalizing a squad that lacks the depth and consistency needed to challenge on multiple fronts. Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou just weeks after the club’s continental triumph, inherits a group of players that have shown flashes of brilliance but ultimately failed to deliver consistent performances across the Premier League campaign.

Recognizing the need for a long-term vision, Levy is expected to double down on his strategy of targeting young, high-potential players — talents who can be developed into elite performers under the right guidance. This recruitment model has become increasingly central to Tottenham’s transfer policy in recent years, and it appears set to continue this summer with a targeted focus on promising youth, especially from overseas markets.

One name high on Spurs’ radar is Giovanni Leoni, a talented 18-year-old centre-back currently plying his trade with Parma. According to a report from CaughtOffside, Tottenham are among several clubs keen on securing the services of the Italian starlet and are preparing an opening bid of approximately €25 million for his signature.

Leoni enjoyed a breakout campaign with Parma in Serie A during the 2024/25 season, making 17 senior appearances and further enhancing his reputation after a productive loan spell at Sampdoria in Serie B. His performances have earned widespread praise and attracted attention not only from abroad but also from domestic powerhouses such as Napoli, Inter Milan, and AC Milan. In England, Premier League sides Bournemouth and Wolves are also said to be monitoring the situation closely.

While Parma are reportedly aware they possess a rare talent in Leoni, the financial allure of a significant transfer fee could prove difficult to resist. Though Tottenham’s initial offer may stand at €25 million, it is believed the Italian club values Leoni at closer to €35 million, setting the stage for potential negotiations in the coming weeks.

From a footballing perspective, Leoni fits the profile of what Tottenham need: a young, commanding central defender with modern traits. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, he is physically dominant in aerial duels, possesses impressive composure on the ball, and reads the game with maturity beyond his years. His calm presence and technical ability make him a natural fit for a Premier League side aiming to build from the back — and particularly for Thomas Frank, who is known for instilling defensive solidity and nurturing young talent, as he did at Brentford.

Adding urgency to the defensive overhaul is Tottenham’s current centre-back situation. Cristian Romero’s future at the club remains uncertain amid interest from other clubs. Meanwhile, Radu Drăgușin has been sidelined due to an ACL injury, and Micky van de Ven has struggled with recurring fitness issues since his arrival. This leaves Spurs thin at the back, reinforcing the need for immediate and long-term solutions.

Should a deal materialize, Leoni could not only offer valuable depth but potentially grow into a defensive linchpin for Spurs in years to come. The opportunity to develop under Frank’s leadership and compete in the Champions League may be enough to sway the young Italian’s decision in Tottenham’s favour, even amidst interest from Serie A’s elite.

As the summer transfer window progresses, Tottenham’s pursuit of Leoni is shaping up to be one of their key moves — one that could signal a fresh, youth-driven era at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.