Liverpool expect 19-year-old defender Leoni to resume full first-team training within two weeks, with the Italian’s return set to strengthen a developing central-defensive group.
Leoni has been out for more than a year after suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee during his League Cup debut against Southampton. He joined Liverpool from Parma in August 2025 for an initial £26m fee, having made only 17 senior appearances for the Italian club.
The teenager made an immediate impression on Liverpool’s coaching staff and supporters, producing a performance that appeared far beyond his age before an awkward landing late in the match caused the injury.
Liverpool originally planned to introduce Leoni gradually, either alongside Virgil van Dijk or the now-departed Konate, while assessing whether he could develop into a long-term starting centre-back.
Sources familiar with the situation, who asked not to be identified to protect relationships, say Leoni has maintained a highly professional approach throughout his rehabilitation. Rather than recovering at home, he chose to remain at the AXA training centre, completing daily sessions and building close relationships with the club’s staff.
He has also used the time to learn more about Liverpool FC’s history and culture and to improve his English. His attitude has been widely praised by the club’s fitness and medical teams.
The club hopes Leoni will return to full training in the week commencing October 12, although his workload will continue to be increased gradually. An EFL Trophy fixture against Doncaster on Tuesday, October 7, would come too soon, while U21 football could eventually help him regain match fitness and confidence.
Liverpool are due to play 10 games in 28 days from October 11, but there is no intention to rush the 6-foot-5 defender. The three-week international break should also give him time to become more familiar with Arne Slot’s tactical demands.
Leoni is regarded as an aggressive centre-back with strong aerial ability and excellent recovery speed, qualities considered well suited to Slot’s preferred style. His main objective for the second half of the season will be adapting to the intensity and pace of the Premier League and developing defensive partnerships, particularly with Van Dijk and Joe Gomez, whose contracts expire at the end of the campaign.
Liverpool’s defensive outlook has also been boosted by Jaqueta, 21, and 18-year-olds Ndukwe and Ndiaye. Jaqueta has impressed alongside Van Dijk and is considered by informed sources to be the club’s most exciting prospect. Ndukwe is currently on loan at Levante, while Ndiaye is also viewed as a potential first-team option.
Araujo, signed on loan from Barcelona, is gradually settling in and has featured at right-back, while Gomez has returned to the squad. Those options mean Liverpool can allow Leoni the time required to complete his recovery.
The club believes Leoni and Jaqueta could form the basis of its next defence, although both will still be only 20 and 22 at the start of next season. Liverpool also made clear development plans to Ndukwe and Ndiaye during recruitment discussions, including video calls, presentations and meetings with their families.
Not all four may establish themselves at Anfield, but Liverpool believe the strongest of the group could become the foundation of the Reds’ next generation.
