After suffering a major injury in his opening season with Liverpool, Giovanni Leoni has provided an update over a return.
Giovanni Leoni has provided an update on his journey back from injury as Liverpool look for a specific return date in 2026.
Giovanni Leoni Provides Injury Update
The Italian international suffered a major ACL injury during Liverpool’s Carabao Cup clash against Southampton on September 23rd last year, which has ruled Leoni out for the remainder of this season.
After an impressive spell with Parma during the 2024/25 campaign, the young Italian defender completed a €31million move to Merseyside and was expected to play a huge role under Arne Slot.
However the 19-year-old is expected to be ruled out for the majority of 2026, which has also impacted the Italian national team as Leoni will be unavailable for the Azzurri’s 2026 World Cup playoff clash against Northern Ireland.
This year is expected to be the year of returns for Italian soccer stars, with Edoardo Bove nearing a return after recovering from major heart problems and Leoni is also in line to feature in 2026.
Although the teenager is at the beginning stages of his recovery, Leoni has revealed that the ‘hardest part’ is over and that he is ready to come back stronger than ever.
Leoni said: “I can’t look at the long term, I’m only thinking about training in my mind. Setting long-term goals can be an issue if you get a set-back. Now the hardest part is over. I’m doing my rehab, in the pool, in the gym.
“For a footballer, an injury like this can be the most difficult part of your career, but now I just want to train my mind to come back stronger than before. I think that’s the key. A lot of the work is in your head.”
Arne Slot will be hoping to see Leoni back as soon as possible with Ibrahim Konate still yet to sign a new contract and Joe Gomez considering a move away.
The Reds have been linked with multiple players in the central defensive area, including Marc Guehi and Leoni’s future in Merseyside could be heavily affected by the Englishman.
Liverpool Willing To Accept Leoni Loan Offers
Liverpool have struggled to meet expectations this season after their title winning campaign in 2025 and Arne Slot has come under huge pressure.
This could see the Dutchman make a plethora of signings in the summer to help turn things around and Leoni’s place in Liverpool’s roster could weaken.
According to reports, Liverpool are willing to accept loan offers for the 19-year-old during the summer window, but only if the Reds sign multiple players in that position.
Returning to Serie A is the most likely outcome for Leoni due to his comfort in Italy and a host of sides are reportedly looking for a new center back this summer.
AC Milan have been linked with several defenders already, as the Rossoneri consider Radu Dragusin from Tottenham and even the previously mentioned Guehi.
Allegri will be well aware of Leoni’s talents, but Milan may face stiff competition from their local rivals Inter, who were close to signing the teenager before Liverpool swooped in.
Leoni still has five-years remaining on his deal in England and his Liverpool career is yet to get going – but the Reds may consider a temporary deal in the summer.
