Tottenham could hand Newcastle further summer heartbreak as race for Italian star heats up
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are fighting it out for Giovanni Leoni
Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing an ambitious move to sign one of Italy’s most promising young defenders, Giovanni Leoni, in a potential swoop that could deepen Newcastle United’s transfer frustrations this summer.
The 18-year-old Parma starlet has rapidly climbed the ranks of Italian football, impressing with his positional intelligence, composure under pressure, and confident ball-playing ability, traits that have not gone unnoticed at Hotspur Way. With manager Thomas Frank determined to add depth and youth to his backline, Leoni has emerged as a standout candidate to become a key member of Spurs’ defensive rebuild.
According to Caught Offside, both Tottenham and Newcastle are preparing official bids, but Spurs are believed to be in a stronger position, both financially and in terms of sporting project. Parma have set a valuation between €30m–€40m, and Tottenham appear more willing than most to meet it.
This potential signing comes as Newcastle suffer another turbulent window, having only managed to bring in Anthony Elanga while seeing multiple key targets slip through their fingers. To make matters worse for Eddie Howe’s side, speculation continues to mount around Alexander Isak’s future, with a potential exit on the cards despite Champions League qualification.
For Tottenham, this is yet another chance to assert dominance in the market over a direct Premier League rival. After already beating Newcastle to Mohammed Kudus earlier in the window, Spurs could now pull off another blow by hijacking their move for Leoni, a defender who not only fits the club’s long-term vision but could also make an immediate impact if Cristian Romero does decide to leave this summer.
Frank’s project has momentum, silverware in the cabinet, and a clear plan moving forward. That combination makes Tottenham an increasingly attractive destination for rising stars, especially ones looking to develop in a competitive league under a tactically astute manager.
In Giovanni Leoni, Tottenham can add more than just a teenager with potential. They see a player who can grow into a first-team regular, a defender who fits the modern mould, fast, intelligent, composed, and fearless.
As Newcastle falter and scramble to salvage their summer, Spurs have a golden opportunity to strengthen where it matters most. With UEFA Champions League back on the agenda and Thomas Frank’s first full season around the corner, adding someone like Leoni shows this club is serious about building for both the present and future. Now it’s up to Daniel Levy and the recruitment team to get the deal done before the competition heats up even further.
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