Giovanni Leoni set to return as Virgil van Dijk's future with Liverpool remains uncertain
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 6, 2026, 8:56 AM
Last updated Oct 6, 2026

Giovanni Leoni is expected to return to full training around October 12 after recovering from a knee injury. Liverpool rejected a loan inquiry from Juventus earlier this summer, indicating they value Leoni's development as they assess the future of captain Virgil van Dijk, whose contract ends this season. While Liverpool's defense has performed well with Ronald Araujo and Jeremy Jacquet, the club must decide on extending Van Dijk's contract in light of emerging young talent. This period could influence team decisions on player roles and contract negotiations moving forward.
- •Leoni recovering from a serious knee injury since September 2025.
- •Liverpool declined Juventus' loan request for Leoni.
- •Van Dijk's contract expires at the end of the season.
- •Liverpool's defense has performed well with Araujo and Jacquet.
- •Decision on Van Dijk's future will affect squad planning.
- 8:56 AMYahoo Sports — In Liverpool’s Defense: Giovanni Leoni Back And The Virgil Van Dijk Question
"From a desperately thin looking center-back situation in the summer things have certainly improved.
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