Bianconeri Draw Up Next Year’s Shortlist
Juventus are reportedly preparing to move for Liverpool’s 19-year-old Italian centre-back Giovanni Leoni in 2027. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Serie A giants have begun mapping out next year’s transfer plans, with around six names already on their wishlist across goalkeeper, centre-back, right-back and midfield positions.
Leoni is understood to be a leading defensive target. The Turin club are also said to be monitoring Italian defenders in England, with Marco Palestra and Riccardo Calafiori mentioned alongside the Liverpool youngster.
Leoni’s Difficult Start at Anfield
Liverpool signed Leoni from Parma for £26million ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, beating several Premier League rivals to his signature. The deal followed a promising spell in Italy, where he made 17 appearances and attracted widespread attention.
Life on Merseyside has been far from smooth, however. Leoni has played just once for the Reds after a serious knee injury ended his season within weeks of arriving. He has spent months rebuilding his fitness, and a return to action is now said to be close.
Serie A Interest Has Not Gone Away
Despite his lengthy absence, Leoni’s reputation has barely dipped. Inter Milan were linked with a summer move, while Juventus reportedly made an enquiry about a loan. Liverpool rejected all advances.
Juventus have their own reasons to strengthen at the back, with Gleison Bremer’s long-term future uncertain. Virgil van Dijk has also been mentioned as a possible target, although the club are said to favour Italian talent next year.
Gazzetta dello Sport claims Juve scouts will watch Leoni weekly once he is back in action, suggesting the knee problem has not put them off.
Our Take
Leoni’s injury history is a genuine concern, but at 19 he has plenty of time to recover and develop. Juventus would be taking a calculated gamble on a player with obvious potential. Liverpool, having invested heavily, are unlikely to sell cheaply, and much will depend on how quickly Leoni can establish himself at Anfield once fit.