Liverpool have set their eyes on a generational talent from Ajax (Credits: Imago Images)
Liverpool have always had an eye for talent. Recently, the club signed Italian defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma in hopes of pushing him to lead the defence in the future.
The South European talent is just 18 years old and stands at 6 feet 5. The Rome native played youth football for Vigontina, Cittadella and Padova as he went on to make four senior appearances for the latter.
He then found himself on loan in Sampdoria, where he made 12 appearances for the senior team. A move to Parma followed, where, after only 17 appearances, Liverpool bought the teenager for £26m.
His contract at Anfield runs till 2031, and Arne Slot already sees him as a Premier League-ready player. Even though there are only three senior defenders in the squad, Slot seems comfortable holding onto the fragile stability till next summer.
This is an advantage for Leoni, but whether he will be able to play day in, day out after two injuries in the back is an open question. Jamie Carragher recently commented on this problem in an interview.
“Joe Gomez, injury-prone himself, and the young lad from Italy, he is going to be a great prospect, but if you think that one of them had to play for a couple of months, it is a big difference”, he told the Overlap Podcast.
Quiz: Name the team Liverpool signed these players from in the 2010s
Liverpool target another defensive powerhouse
TEAMtalk reports, Liverpool are heavily interested in Ajax defender Jorthy Mokio. The Belgian international is just 17 years old and is one of the youngest players to ever represent the Red Devils.
Having made 21 appearances for the Ajax first team in total, the teenager can play centre-back, defensive midfielder and full-back.
The Belgian had the option to choose big clubs before moving to Ajax, but chose to move to the Netherlands, considering de Godenzonen’s ability to raise young talent.
All the big Premier League and La Liga clubs are very closely following the defender’s situation. Chelsea are among the clubs that seem to be heavily scouting Mokio.
The Belgian offers a good balance of technique and physique. He stands 6 feet tall, gifted with a left foot and can play multiple positions at the back.
As Jorthy’s contract runs till 2027, clubs are already planning their strategies of swooping up the defender. TEAMtalk was told that he is a Premier League-ready player, and his versatility just adds to the charm.
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