Recipes
Liverpool have actually dismissed recommendations that Giovanni Leoni might go back to Italy in 2027, with the young protector securely part of their long-lasting strategies and with FSG positive they have their long-lasting future in main defence secured, TEAMtalk can expose.
Leoni is back on the training pitch after his severe ACL injury that has actually sidelined him for over a year, and Liverpool are now thinking about whether he might go back to action before completion of the month.
TEAMtalk comprehends the Champions League clash with Villarreal (October 20) or the League Cup conference with Chelsea (October 28) are being thought about as possible return dates, although Liverpool have no objective of hurrying the 19-year-old and will just play him if he gets a 100% clearance from club medics.
Leoni signed up with Liverpool from Parma in August 2025 for a preliminary ₤ 26million (EUR35m, $40m with add-ons), with the Reds vanquishing the majority of Europe to his signature, consisting of competitors from most of Serie A’s most significant clubs.
His first project was cruelly disrupted when he suffered a severe knee injury on his launching versus Southampton in a Carabao Cup third-round clash in September 2025. He has actually been on the roadway back since– and the Italian is now surrounding a long-awaited return.
And while there has actually been speculation that Leoni might ultimately head back to Italy, Liverpool have actually made it clear that is not part of their thinking.
TEAMtalk comprehends that both Juventus and Inter Milan have actually preserved contact with Leoni’s camp to keep themselves notified, however they were distinguished the start that the protector’s future is securely at Anfield.
There is likewise growing enjoyment within Liverpool about what Leoni can accomplish along with fellow young centre-back Jeremy Jacquet …
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Recipes Liverpool anticipate Leoni to strike very same heights as Jacquet– Sources
Speaking as part of TEAMtalk’s Insider protection, Graeme Bailey stated Liverpool think Leoni is running at the very same level as Jacquet, who has currently satisfied because coming to Anfield.
“Jeremy Jacquet has actually provided early on his Liverpool profession, validating his track record as one of Europe’s finest young main protectors and within Anfield, they strongly think Leoni is at the very same level.
“Speaking to individuals within the club, they truly believe Leoni and Jacquet is a succulent possibility; the club enjoy them both.”
Liverpool took a likewise careful method with Jacquet after his shoulder issues throughout the summer season and have actually embraced the exact same viewpoint with Leoni.
“They did not hurry Jacquet in the summertime after his shoulder problems, and the exact same has held true of Leoni; they did not wish to attempt and get him back a couple of weeks early- why take the threat?
“The belief is Leoni might effectively go back to action this month, however if not, they enjoy with where he is at.”
Leoni’s return would provide Liverpool supervisor Andoni Iraola another extremely appealing alternative at the heart of his defence, with the club encouraged there is considerable advancement still to come.
Iraola’s performance history of establishing young centre-backs was likewise highlighted by Bailey, with the Liverpool employer having actually formerly assisted mould Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi throughout his time at Bournemouth.
“One thing about Andoni Iraola is that he actually understands how to get the very best out of a skilled protector– simply take a look at Bournemouth. He took the similarity Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi and assisted mould both of them into top-class centre-halves.
“In plain contrast to their full-back positions, there is a genuine sense at Liverpool that at centre-half they have 2 extremely unique choices.”
Liverpool’s concern now is merely getting Leoni completely healthy and prepared to return, including another strong choice to Iraola’s team.
On the topic of main protectors, Liverpool have actually been advised to re-sign a ₤ 56m star that Arne Slot fasted to usher out at Anfield.
One male the Reds are likewise pleased with is Ronald Araujo– and now the club’s brand-new sporting director Julian Ward is comprehended to have actually made an immediate choice on making the on-loan Barcelona star’s relocate to Anfield long-term.
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