Giovanni Leoni is closing in on a return to Liverpool training, almost exactly 12 months after undergoing surgery on an ACL injury sustained in last October’s Carabao Cup win over Southampton.
The 19-year-old Italian has undergone a significant physical transformation during his rehabilitation at the AXA Centre in Kirkby, bulking up noticeably since being cleared to resume gym work. Those around the club have been impressed by his dedication to the recovery process, and he has indicated via social media that he believes a return is imminent.
Liverpool signed Leoni for an initial £26m in August 2025 from Parma, fending off interest from Inter Milan. The club viewed him as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders and part of their long-term strategy to develop centre-back cover for Virgil van Dijk, whose contract expires in summer 2027. Leoni’s patience with his rehabilitation, rather than rushing back or returning to Italy, has been noted as a mark of his maturity for such a young player at a new club.
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