Bournemouth are making serious waves in the race for Giovanni Leoni, the highly rated 18-year-old defender currently making headlines at Parma. While Italian heavyweights Inter Milan and AC Milan remain interested, it’s the Cherries who have submitted the strongest bid to date, believed to be €25m plus €5m in bonuses.
However, Parma are refusing to drop their €40m valuation of the teenager, who broke through last season with 17 appearances in Serie A — 14 of them as a starter.
Parma Playing Hardball Over Leoni Fee
Parma are under no pressure to sell, and they firmly believe Leoni’s value will skyrocket once he racks up more top-flight minutes. According to FCInterNews, the club rejected Bournemouth’s offer outright and won’t accept even a structured deal of €35m upfront plus €5m in add-ons.
Why so tough? A 10% sell-on clause owed to Sampdoria — Leoni’s former club — means Parma are determined to maximise the profit.
“He’s one of the best Italian centre-back prospects we’ve seen in years,” a source close to the player told local media. “But Parma believe this is just the start of his rise.” — Italian football insider
Why Bournemouth Want Him
Bournemouth’s recruitment model under Andoni Iraola has shifted towards acquiring elite young talent before their value explodes. Leoni ticks every box:
- Left-footed ball-playing centre-back
- Composed under pressure
- Strong in aerial duels
- Comfortable stepping into midfield when in possession
At just 18, he already looks like a long-term Premier League asset — and Bournemouth want to land him before one of the Milan clubs makes a serious move.
Giovanni Leoni – 2024/25 Season Stats
| Stat (2024/25) | Giovanni Leoni |
|---|---|
| Appearances (Serie A) | 17 |
| Starts | 14 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Tackles per game | 2.3 |
| Interceptions per game | 1.9 |
| Passing Accuracy | 88% |
Key Insights
- Bournemouth have submitted €25m+5m bonus offer – rejected
- Parma value Leoni at €40m due to upside and sell-on clause
- Inter & Milan interest real but unwilling to pay full price
- Leoni made 17 senior appearances in debut Serie A season
- Cherries pushing early to beat competition
What’s Next?
Parma are waiting for improved offers, but their stance is firm. Bournemouth may return with a higher bid or shift targets if talks stall — but they remain the most serious Premier League suitor so far.
Can Bournemouth outbid Italy’s elite and secure Leoni’s signature?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 13 Jul 2025 16:19
Bournemouth and their scouting are very good! They've done this in the past very well with the players that they've recruited. young and promising!
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