A former Liverpool transfer target has recalled turning down the Reds at the start of an exciting new era
Mattia De Sciglio
Mattia De Sciglio, pictured in action for Italy at Euro 2016, came close to joining Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
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Ex-Liverpool target Mattia De Sciglio has opened up about his decision to reject the Reds in favour of a move to Juventus. The Italian passed up the chance to join one of Anfield's most successful recent squads and is now on the market as a free agent.
De Sciglio, 33, was turning heads at AC Milan when Liverpool expressed interest in the summer of 2017. Jurgen Klopp was still assembling the backbone of a team destined for great success, with his defence notably taking shape during the 2017/18 campaign.
Trent Alexander-Arnold had a standout season under the German at right-back, while Andrew Robertson also joined to bolster the left side of defence. To cap it all, Virgil van Dijk arrived in January 2018 to partner Joel Matip, who had arrived from Schalke 18 months earlier.
Former Italy international De Sciglio, part of the squad that reached the Euro 2016 quarter-finals and scored in the penalty shootout defeat by Germany, caught the Reds' eye with his performances. However, he chose to reunite with his ex-Milan boss, Massimiliano Allegri, at Juve instead.
Speaking to Calciomercato.com, he recalled: "Liverpool also wanted me, but I chose Turin. Allegri was on the bench and the team was really strong.
"And finding myself in a dressing room full of champions, after also playing a key role in the European Championship, was a great revenge after the difficult period I had gone through."
The choice proved a wise move in the end as De Sciglio secured three Serie A championships and two Coppa Italia trophies in Turin before heading out on loan to Lyon in 2020.
Daniele Rugani of Italy, Virgil van Dijk of Holland, Mattia De Sciglio of Italy, Nathan Ake of Holland during the International friendly match between Italy and The Netherlands at Allianz Stadium
Virgil van Dijk and De Sciglio playing for their countries(Image: VI Images via Getty Images)
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He subsequently returned to the club for a few years before joining Empoli on loan last season. However, his contract wasn't extended in the summer of 2025, leaving him without a club for the past seven months.
De Sciglio's career trajectory might have been completely different had he opted for Merseyside instead. With Van Dijk strengthening the defence soon after Liverpool showed interest in signing him, it's impossible to know what silverware he might have collected.
The Reds have recruited several Italian players in recent times, with young defender Giovanni Leoni arriving in 2025, a year after Federico Chiesa's transfer. Before that, though, Mario Balotelli was the last Italian to join the club back in 2014.
Empoli's Italian defender #22 Mattia De Sciglio celebrates after scoring during the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and Empoli at the "Allianz Stadium
Recent Liverpool history and De Sciglio could look very different had he joined the Reds(Image: MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)
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Capable of operating on both sides, De Sciglio represents exactly the sort of adaptable talent that's becoming more valued by modern elite managers. Klopp was certainly familiar with this approach, frequently prepared to deploy players in alternative positions.
As time has passed, De Sciglio has transitioned into a more central position, a common shift for full-backs in the twilight of their careers. He spent a significant part of his solitary season with Empoli playing as a centre-back and could have been paired with Van Dijk had things panned out differently.
In his quest to secure a new club, De Sciglio continues to train daily. However, it's highly doubtful that Liverpool will reignite their interest unless they're suddenly hit by a fresh injury crisis.
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