Liverpool have made an impressive start to the season under Andoni Iraola, but the Reds are already looking ahead to how their squad could develop over the coming years.
The centre-back position is particularly interesting, with Virgil van Dijk continuing to lead the defence while Jeremy Jacquet has quickly established himself as an excellent partner. Ronald Araujo and Joe Gomez also provide further options.
However, Liverpool are preparing to welcome back another highly-rated defender who has spent more than a year recovering from a serious injury.
Liverpool Reject Juventus Approach for Giovanni Leoni
Liverpool have rejected an enquiry from Juventus over a potential loan move for Giovanni Leoni, with the Italian giants refusing to give up on their interest in the teenager.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus have already explored the possibility of taking Leoni temporarily but Liverpool have no intention of allowing the defender to leave.
The Serie A club are reportedly planning to send scouts to watch Leoni on a regular basis once he returns to action, underlining how highly they rate the 19-year-old.
Leoni joined Liverpool from Parma in August 2025 after an impressive breakthrough campaign in Serie A. The Reds paid around £25m for the centre-back, who had made 17 league appearances for Parma during the previous season.
Unfortunately, his Liverpool debut ended in devastating fashion. Leoni impressed during the Carabao Cup victory over Southampton but suffered an ACL injury after 81 minutes, ruling him out for more than a year.
He is now finally approaching a return to full training, with the defender expected to rejoin his teammates during October.
Liverpool are likely to take a cautious approach when Leoni comes back. After such a lengthy absence, the teenager will need time to rebuild his fitness and regain his sharpness, meaning domestic cup opportunities could provide the ideal route back into competitive football.
There is also little reason for the Reds to consider a loan exit. Van Dijk and Gomez are both approaching the final year of their contracts, while Araujo’s long-term future at Anfield remains uncertain.
That could leave Leoni with an important role to play in Liverpool’s defence over the next few seasons, particularly alongside Jacquet.
Juventus therefore face a difficult task if they hope to bring the Italian back to his homeland. Liverpool view Leoni as an important part of their long-term plans and, for now, have firmly closed the door on a departure.
With his return finally within sight, the Reds will now be hoping the highly-rated defender can put his injury nightmare behind him and begin fulfilling the potential that convinced them to spend heavily on him in the first place.
