Richard Hughes left with agonising decision as surprise talks begin for loan deal | OneFootball

Liverpool are undertaking a big change at the back.

The outgoing Premier League champions have lost Ibrahima Konate on a free with the Frenchman destined to join Real Madrid. With Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez out of contract in 2027 it promises to be a year of major upheaval at the heart of defence.

Jeremy Jacquet is being brought in as a £60m signing from Rennes while Ifeanyi Ndukwe - a promising Austrian defender - is coming in from Austria Vienna.

Those two will join Mor Talla Ndiaye as one of Andoni Iraola’s new centre-back options having joined from FC Amitie in Senegal in January.

Juventus consider loan offer for Giovanni Leoni

And what of Giovanni Leoni?

The teenager was signed from Parma for £26m back in 2025 - but suffered a torn ACL on debut. Having missed practically the entire 2025/26 season the 19-year-old is now back in contention for a first-team place.

But a report in Mondo Primavera - citing the print edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport - is claiming that Leoni could be on his way back to Italy.

Because talks have commenced between the player’s entourage, Liverpool and Juventus over a proposed loan deal.

Juve's aggressive pursuit of Giovanni Leoni

“The Bianconeri have aggressively pursued Giovanni Leoni,” the report reads.

“The club's primary objective is to bring in promising players, especially Italians, who are considered ideal for rebuilding a strong identity and a solid foundation within the Juventus locker room.

“The chosen formula is a temporary loan, a solution that would allow the Juventus medical and technical staff to test the defender's full fitness on the pitch during the first few months of the season.”

Leoni needs match rhythm

Liverpool could well sanction the deal to allow Leoni to build match rhythm and fitness before bringing him back into the fold.

But Juve - moving under a new direction after missing out on Champions League football - have a plan to add Leoni on a permanent basis.

“The Turin management's plan is to include a permanent purchase option in the agreement, to be exercised and negotiated at the end of the next season, with a buy-out window set for June 2027,” the report reads.

“Contacts between the player's entourage and the two clubs have officially begun.”

It remains to be seen what the club’s answer will be.

On one hand it would be a surprise considering the dearth of centre-backs at Anfield. But using Leoni as a regular starter could be a perilous move given his rookie status and relative lack of match action.