Giovanni Leoni Is Finally Closing in on His Liverpool Return

There is finally some very positive news surrounding Giovanni Leoni.

The young Italian defender is closing in on a return to Liverpool training and is expected to rejoin the group during the upcoming international break.

After everything he has been through, that is a huge moment.

Leoni has been sidelined since suffering an ACL injury in September 2025, shortly after arriving at Liverpool.

Now, almost a year later, the 19-year-old is finally getting close to doing what he has been waiting so long to do:

Train with his teammates again.

What a moment this will be

Leoni’s Liverpool career has barely had the chance to begin.

The defender arrived from Parma with a huge reputation and was viewed as one of the most exciting young centre-backs in European football.

But his first season at Anfield was cruelly interrupted by that ACL injury.

Liverpool have understandably taken a very cautious approach throughout his rehabilitation.

There has been absolutely no reason to rush him.

An ACL injury is serious, particularly for a young player trying to establish himself at a new club.

The priority has always been getting Leoni back properly, rather than getting him back quickly.

And now that patience appears to be paying off.

Liverpool could soon have another defensive option

This could be a really important development for Andoni Iraola.

Liverpool have already strengthened their defence this summer with Jérémy Jacquet and Ronald Araújo, but injuries have tested the squad.

Leoni’s return would give Iraola another option at centre-back at a time when Liverpool are competing on multiple fronts.

And let’s not forget just how highly Liverpool rated him when they signed him.

This isn’t simply another youngster returning from injury.

Liverpool paid a significant fee for Leoni because they believed he had the potential to become an important player for the club.

We haven’t even properly seen what he can do yet.

Imagine Leoni alongside Van Dijk and Jacquet

This is the part that really excites me.

Liverpool now have Virgil van Dijk providing the experience, while Jacquet has already shown plenty of promise since arriving.

Araújo gives Iraola versatility and physicality.

And then there is Leoni.

At 19, he still has an enormous amount to learn, but his physical profile and ability on the ball make him a very interesting prospect.

Liverpool could eventually have a really exciting group of centre-backs.

Van Dijk can help guide the younger defenders, while players such as Jacquet and Leoni can gradually become more important.

That’s exactly the sort of succession planning Liverpool should be doing.

But nobody should expect too much too soon

This is where we have to be patient.

Leoni returning to training doesn’t mean he is suddenly ready to start Premier League matches.

There will be a period of building his fitness, getting used to contact again and regaining his confidence.

After almost a year away from competitive football, he will need time.

Liverpool shouldn’t put any pressure on him.

If that means waiting another few weeks or even longer before he is ready for first-team football, so be it.

The important thing is that he gets there.

This could feel like a new signing

And that’s why I’m genuinely excited about this update.

Liverpool supporters have barely seen Giovanni Leoni.

His first competitive appearance for the club ended with an ACL injury, meaning we never really got the opportunity to judge what he could bring to the team.

Now we might finally get that opportunity.

Imagine Liverpool reaching the second half of the season with Leoni, Jacquet, Araújo and Van Dijk all available.

That could give Iraola some excellent options.

And if Leoni develops as Liverpool hoped when they signed him, he could become a hugely important player for the future.

Welcome back, Giovanni

There is still a long way to go.

But seeing Leoni back involved with the group during the international break would be a massive step forward.

After months of rehabilitation, setbacks and patience, the young defender is finally getting closer to where he wants to be.

Back on the training pitch.

Back with his teammates.

And eventually, back playing football.

Liverpool supporters have been waiting a long time to see what Giovanni Leoni can really do.

Hopefully, the wait is finally coming to an end. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)