AC Milan legend hits out after £26m Liverpool transfer - 'Andrea Pirlo told me'

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Giovanni Leoni signs for Liverpool FC at AXA Training Centre on August 15, 2025 in Kirkby, England(Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)

Former AC Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini believes the Rossoneri should have rivalled Liverpool to the signature of Giovanni Leoni.

And he has revealed he legendary Andrea Pirlo has previously talked up the talents of the teenage defender.

The Reds beat Newcastle United and Serie A champions Inter to the signature of Leoni in August after sporting director Richard Hughes agreed a deal with his counterpart at Parma, Federico Cherubini, to bring the centre-back to Anfield for £26m.

Leoni, who made 17 appearances for Parma last season, was subsequently called up to the Italy squad for their World Cup qualifiers during the international break but is yet to make his senior debut for the Azzurri.

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Ambrosini says Milan should have used the funds they earned from selling Malick Thiaw to Newcastle to try and sign Leoni, explaining how the iconic Pirlo had previously explained to him how the 18-year-old had a huge future in the game.

“Milan are selling Thiaw for €42m, why don’t you go and get Leoni?" Ambrosini, who won four Serie A titles and two Champions Leagues with Milan, told SampdoriaNews, as translated by Sport Witness.

"Liverpool paid €35m for him.

It’s true that he would have been an even bigger gamble than (David) Odogu, because you only got him for €10m.

"But he would also be a major signing for the club and the fans – a young, Italian player who showed his qualities.

"In football, people talk about him.

I would have made a similar argument for a club like Milan."

Leoni could make his Liverpool debut later this month when Southampton visit in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

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The 18-year-old said after signing for the Reds: "[I joined] because it's one of the best clubs in the world.

The continuous [game time] in the second half of the season, I continued to play and to play games [and] to have more confidence in myself.

"I want to improve a lot with my new team-mates in training and after on the pitch, in the Premier League and the Champions League."

Liverpool return to Premier League action on Sunday when they travel to Burnley (2pm).

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They then kick off their Champions League campaign at home to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday (8pm) before hosting Everton in the Merseyside derby on Saturday, September 20 (12.30pm) and Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, September 23 (8pm), where Leoni could be handed his first minutes.