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Giovanni Leoni’s journey to Liverpool has been anything but ordinary, and it helps explain why there is already movement around his future.
The 19-year-old centre-back moved from the Italian third tier to the Premier League in just over two years, a rise that underlined both his potential and the level of interest in his development.
Liverpool secured his signature on August 15, 2025, for a reported £26 million, beating strong competition from Italy.
Inter Milan had initially agreed personal terms with the defender before Liverpool moved quickly to complete the deal and bring him to Anfield on a long-term contract running until 2031.
Before that move, Leoni had built momentum through spells at Padova, Sampdoria, and Parma.
His breakthrough came at Parma during the 2024/25 season, where he made 17 Serie A appearances and scored once.
That campaign established him as one of Italy’s most promising young defenders.
However, his start at Liverpool was derailed almost immediately.
After making his debut, he suffered a serious ACL injury in an EFL Cup match against Southampton in September 2025.
Since then, he has not featured under Arne Slot and has spent the entire season in rehabilitation, with a return expected ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
That situation has now opened the door for renewed interest from Inter Milan, who are looking to reshape their squad this summer.
Reports from L’Interista suggest Leoni could be part of a wider rebuild, as the club’s hierarchy favours young Italians and looks to increase its Italian core.
There is also a clear football reason behind the move.
Manager Cristian Chivu admires the defender, having worked with him at Parma, and sees him as a natural fit for his system.
Inter’s interest is not casual, and talks are expected as they explore ways to structure a deal.
However, the financial side complicates things.
A permanent transfer may be out of reach, which is why an initial loan with an obligation to buy is being considered.
Liverpool, though, are unlikely to accept terms that do not protect their investment in a player they signed less than a year ago.
From a Liverpool perspective, the stance is firm.
Leoni remains a long-term project, and the club will not want to lose control of a player they believe still has a major role to play once fully fit.
