Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni has played down suggestions he was close to joining any Italian clubs last summer, insisting his move to Anfield was always the right decision as he continues to settle into life in the Premier League.
The 19-year-old has been reflecting on his transfer in comments reported by Tuttomercatoweb, after speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport’s Sport Week.
Leoni dismisses Serie A transfer talk
Leoni joined Liverpool in a €31m deal during the summer window, following a standout season with Parma. His performances in Italy had fuelled widespread speculation about a move within Serie A.
Clubs including Juventus, Inter Milan, Napoli and AC Milan were all linked, with Inter thought to be particularly keen given Cristian Chivu’s previous work with the defender at Parma. Vice-president Javier Zanetti even confirmed public interest.
Despite that, Leoni insists those links never progressed.
“There was never anything concrete with any Italian club,” he said. “Of course, when there’s interest, you think about it, but no team was closer than the others.”
Premier League move ‘the best choice’
Leoni believes Liverpool’s approach changed everything, describing the Premier League opportunity as decisive.
“Then Liverpool came along, and it’s hard not to look at it differently,” he explained. “I have to say that every day I believe the Premier League was the best choice.”
Reports in Italy had suggested AC Milan were deterred by a €40m valuation, while Liverpool’s financial strength allowed them to complete the deal at €31m ahead of rival suitors.
Long-term view already clear
Still only 19, Leoni appears relaxed about the speculation that surrounded his move, focusing instead on development and adaptation at Anfield. His comments suggest confidence that the step up to English football was the right one, regardless of the alternatives discussed in Italy.
Key insights
- Giovanni Leoni says no Italian club made a concrete move
- Juventus, Inter, Napoli and AC Milan were all linked
- Liverpool completed a €31m deal in the summer
- Leoni believes the Premier League was “the best choice”
What’s next
Young centre-back Giovanni Leoni suffered a devastating knee injury on his Anfield debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup. The 18-year-old landed awkwardly following a late challenge, requiring on-pitch treatment before being stretchered off. Scans later confirmed a torn ACL, ruling him out for around a year. Liverpool see Leoni as a long-term project, and the club is expected to manage his recovery carefully throughout 2026.
Has Giovanni Leoni made the perfect career move by choosing Liverpool over Serie A?
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