Leoni edges closer to Liverpool comeback after nightmare debut season

Giovanni Leoni says he "can't wait to play" under new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola as the young Italian defender closes in on a return from the serious knee injury that ruined his first season at Anfield.

The 19-year-old centre-back joined the Reds from Parma last summer for a reported £26.6m (€31m), but managed just a single appearance before suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in September.

Positive talks with Iraola

Leoni is still recovering from the injury, but has taken a significant step forward by returning to the pitch to begin individual training on grass. The teenager revealed he has already held encouraging discussions with Iraola and is excited by the prospect of working under the Spaniard.

"I spoke with him, and we spoke about the injury, of course, and rehab," Leoni told the club website. "Then we did some analysis together to understand the way that he wants to play.

"He's a really good coach, but before [that], he is a really good person. You can speak with him, and you can understand the way that he wants to play.

"I can't wait to play under him."

Reds determined to bounce back

Liverpool endured a disappointing 2025-26 campaign, finishing fifth in the Premier League as they failed to defend their title. They were knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain, while also suffering defeats to Manchester City and Crystal Palace in the FA Cup and EFL Cup respectively.

Leoni is determined to help the Reds put that right this season, with his focus firmly on team silverware rather than individual accolades.

"The goals are always the same as last year," added the teenager. "The thing is that I want to be back and win as many games as possible, win as many trophies as possible. The goals are more as a team than as an individual."

New season on the horizon

Liverpool begin their 2026-27 league campaign away at Newcastle United on August 23, with their first home fixture coming six days later against Nottingham Forest — matches Leoni will hope to be involved in as he steps up his recovery.