Football Insider exclusive as Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola and defender Giovanni Leoni feature on either side of a split image.

Leoni is nearing a return to action for Liverpool.Imago

Sources: Liverpool's stance on Giovanni Leoni loan move revealed

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

Published on:

05 Oct 2026, 6:30 pm

Liverpool have made it clear that they have no intention of loaning out young centre-back Giovanni Leoni in January, sources have told Football Insider.

The 19-year-old has emerged as a loan target for Juventus ahead of the winter window, but it is understood that the Reds are not willing to let him leave.

Leoni is seen as a crucial part of the long-term project at Anfield, and is expected to be needed by Andoni Iraola in the second half of the season.

Sources say that Liverpool are "hopeful" that the starlet will return to Premier League action in October, and intend to build his minutes across the rest of the campaign.

The former Parma man ruptured his ACL on his competitive debut for the Merseysiders after joining last summer, and is only just closing in on a return.

Juventus remain clear admirers of Leoni's quality, but Liverpool intend for him to gain experience at Anfield in the coming months, rather than elsewhere.

Giovanni Leoni answer to Liverpool contract issues

Liverpool's centre-back has been stretched so far this term, but Leoni's imminent return is set to ease Iraola's issues at the back somewhat.

However, there is still long-term uncertainty within the Reds' backline, with both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez out of contract next summer.

The likes of Leoni and fellow youngster Jeremy Jacquet have already been signed as the successors to the starting centre-backs at Anfield.

Liverpool believe that when Leoni is back to full fitness, he will be ready to make an impact on the team straight away.

As a result, they see little gain in allowing him to head out on loan this winter, especially if it meant a move away from the Premier League in the process.

Van Dijk could now extend Liverpool deal after winning over Andoni Iraola

Virgil van Dijk has won Andoni Iraola over

Football Insider revealed on Monday that Liverpool have every intention of handing a new contract to Van Dijk if he continues with his current performance levels.

The Dutchman has played every minute of Premier League action so far this season, and has quickly won Iraola over at Anfield.

Sources say that Van Dijk is essentially the "master of his own destiny" at this stage, and is on course to earn a new deal for himself.

The veteran is now into his ninth full season at Liverpool, but the final chapter of his story at Anfield may not be approaching just yet.

Giovanni Leoni