Liverpool Starlet Giovanni Leoni Wanted By Inter & Juventus Amid Injury Return

Liverpool have had several long-term injuries over the last year, with the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and even Alexander Isak during the last campaign. But one injury comeback that has the most question marks around it is the return of Giovanni Leoni.

The Italian defender signed for the Reds with a massive amount of expectation surrounding him, and it was for good reason.

Leoni had just come off the back of an impressive first season in top-flight football with Parma. At 18 years old, he was physically dominating teams and showing off an elite aerial prowess that was catching everyone's attention.

Following 17 games with Parma, Leoni took the risk, left Italy and moved to the Premier League to try and make an impact at one of the world's biggest footballing institutions in Liverpool.

Fans were excited to see their new high-potential defender in action after the club spent an initial £26 million on the now 19-year-old. He would make his debut under former boss Arne Slot in a home fixture against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.

The 6'5" defender had an impressive debut, winning 100% of his aerial duels, having a 96.7% success rate when it came to passes and displaying an overall calmness, similar to what the Anfield crowd is familiar with seeing with captain Virgil van Dijk.

But late into the game, Leoni would make a challenge and land awkwardly on the touchline, appearing in some pain.

Stretchered off to a standing ovation by the Merseyside crowd, it was later confirmed that he had suffered an ACL injury and would be out for the next 12 months.

There is now light at the end of the tunnel for Giovanni Leoni as those 12 months have passed, with the Italian closing in on a return to first-team training. 

The club are likely to take their time with Leoni, and won't want to rush him back in fear of him picking up a setback that could keep him out of action for even longer. 

But just the thought of having Giovanni Leoni, on top of Virgil van Dijk, Ronald Araujo and the fast-starting Jeremy Jacquet as centre-back options should excite all LFC fans. 

However, no sooner has Leoni returned than the defender could depart, as reports have emerged that a move back to Italy could be on the cards.

According to Tuttosport, Inter Milan and Juventus are keeping a close eye on Liverpool centre-back Giovanni Leoni.

The report goes on to say that Leoni's situation remains under close scrutiny from both Serie A giants.

It was unclear in these reports whether or not this move would be a permanent one or on loan for Giovanni Leoni, but if it was permanent, then LFC are highly unlikely to accept. 

If the move is on loan, it could be one to consider in order for Leoni to get some first-team minutes in the second half of this season, if he is unable to break into the Liverpool starting XI.

Comment Below: Would You Loan Out Giovanni Leoni In The Second Half Of This Season So He Can Build Up His Match Fitness?