Inter Milan eye surprise move for Liverpool's injured defender Giovanni Leoni
Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Serie A leaders Inter Milan, according to reports in Italy. The 19-year-old centre-back, who joined the Reds from Parma last summer for a fee of £26 million plus add-ons, could be offered a swift return to his homeland despite having made just one appearance for his current club.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Inter boss Cristian Chivu has given his approval for a move to sign Leoni, whom he previously managed at Parma. The Nerazzurri are in the market for a central defender and have identified the Italian youth as a potential alternative target, with a deal for their primary option, Sassuolo's Tarik Muharemovic, reportedly complicated by a sell-on clause owed to Juventus.
Leoni's debut season at Anfield was cruelly curtailed by a serious injury. He impressed during an 80-minute appearance against Southampton in the League Cup in September but suffered a torn ACL in that match, which has ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign. He is not expected to return to action until the start of next season. The report suggests Inter see the potential to 'relaunch' the young defender's career under a familiar coach.
However, any deal is described as being dependent on Inter reaching an agreement with Liverpool, which the Italian publication acknowledges will be 'very difficult.' The Merseyside club are said to rate Leoni extremely highly and believe he can develop into an elite-level player, making them highly reluctant to sell after just one year and a single appearance. The defender is under contract at Liverpool until 2031.
From a Liverpool perspective, the anticipated return of Leoni at the start of next season would provide a boost to defensive options for manager Arne Slot, or any potential new head coach. The club views him as a long-term prospect and a significant investment, having committed a substantial fee and a six-year contract to secure his services last year. His progress was halted abruptly, and the club's stance suggests they are keen to see that investment bear fruit on Merseyside.
For Inter, the appeal lies in acquiring a talented Italian prospect who is known to their manager and who might be available due to his unfortunate injury layoff. Chivu is reportedly keen on a reunion. The financial aspect of any potential deal remains unclear, with no suggested fee mentioned in the report, and Liverpool's firm stance indicates they would require a compelling offer to even consider a sale.
This speculation arrives amid reports of a potential significant squad overhaul at Liverpool this summer, though Leoni's name had not previously been linked with an exit. The broader context at Anfield suggests a summer of change, but the club's reported valuation of Leoni positions him as a player they intend to build around, rather than one they are looking to move on after an injury-plagued first year.
