Bet you didn’t expect to hear Liverpool’s Giovanni Leoni embroiled in transfer rumours today, but Inter Milan’s interest in a shock swoop is genuine.
The 19-year-old only joined Liverpool from Parma last summer, but his luck has been woeful from the outset. Leoni suffered a serious ACL injury in his first appearance for the Reds and has effectively spent the season on the sidelines, which rather sums up Liverpool’s wider injury issues across the campaign.
It’s quite baffling to hear Inter are already sizing up a move. Leoni is so young, so highly rated and so early in his Liverpool story that the idea of a swift return to Italy feels premature, even if there are obvious reasons why Inter would be tempted to test the waters.
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Inter Milan keen to bring Giovanni Leoni back to Serie A
According to a report relayed by FC Inter News from Corriere dello Sport, Inter have revived their interest in Leoni as they look at defensive options for the summer.
The report says the Nerazzurri would like to ‘relaunch’ the young Italian’s career after a season wrecked by the cruciate ligament injury he suffered at the start of his Liverpool adventure.
A key factor is Cristian Chivu, who knows Leoni well from Parma and is said to have handed him significant trust during his time there. That prior relationship is presented as one reason Inter would be keen on a reunion.
Giovanni Leoni pictured during a Serie A match between Parma and Lazio.
Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images
The report adds that the main issue would be finding ‘the right formula’ with Liverpool, assuming the Reds would even consider letting him go. And that’s a rather bold assumption to make.
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Inter can keep dreaming about Leoni leaving Liverpool
It would be a ridiculous notion for Leoni to want out already and just as strange for Liverpool to entertain it.
Liverpool signed Leoni for £30 million — a long-term investment in elite potential rather than a short-term punt.
The young centre-back hasn’t shown us anything yet, but that is exactly why a departure makes so little sense. He has not had the chance to establish himself, prove himself or even properly begin his career at Anfield.
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Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes watching on during the Reds' Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones
Liverpool bought promise, physical profile and long-term upside, and none of that disappears because one Italian report says Inter admire him. Unless something dramatic changes, there is no reason for the Reds to send him back to Serie A now, whether permanently or temporarily.
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