Juventus target ACL-hit Liverpool teenager Leoni as Klopp rediscovers love for football

Juventus have set their sights on Liverpool teenager Giovanni Leoni as part of a plan to “rebuild the Italian DNA” of the club, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, while Andoni Iraola’s side prepare to host Manchester City at Anfield following the international break.

Juventus eye Leoni despite Iraola’s plans

The 19-year-old centre-back joined Liverpool in August 2025 but has barely featured after suffering an ACL rupture just 80 minutes into his debut, a man-of-the-match performance against Southampton. Leoni has not played for the club since, though Iraola has made clear the teenager remains firmly in his plans.

Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus are targeting “Premier League defenders” who can reinforce their backline while restoring a sense of national identity to the Turin club. Leoni, as a young Italian international prospect, fits that profile precisely.

Iraola moved to quash any suggestion of an exit before the Ipswich Town win last month, confirming that Leoni would rejoin the main training group during the international break. “I think the next one probably should be Giovanni Leoni,” the Liverpool head coach said. “I think the plan is also to start training during the break, with the group. I think even Fede [Chiesa] should be around those dates and probably Conor [Bradley], and especially Hugo [Ekitike], will go later, yes.”

Klopp: ‘I still love what I’m doing’

Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp has revealed that his two-year break from management helped him rediscover his passion for football after he admitted the role at Anfield had left him drained. The German departed Liverpool in 2024, citing a lack of energy, before returning to take charge of the German national team.

Ahead of his fourth game as Germany head coach, a Nations League fixture against Greece, Klopp spoke candidly about his renewed enthusiasm. “I missed nothing, but I realised I still love what I’m doing,” the 59-year-old said. “It’s a blessing to work together with players like [Aleksandar Pavlovic]. It’s a pure joy. I’m blessed to watch the group I have from close. We’ve only just started, I’m looking forward to our common future.”

Liverpool winger Florian Wirtz has also spoken warmly about working under his new international manager, reflecting a positive early atmosphere within the Germany camp.

City visit looms

Back at Anfield, Iraola will look to maintain Liverpool’s unbeaten Premier League run when Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City arrive. Eighteen Liverpool players were away on international duty last month, including Jeremy Jacquet, who earned his first senior call-up for France and drew praise from coach Zinedine Zidane, who described the young defender as “very, very good” and “brave” in the Nations League win over Italy.