Florian Wirtz and Van Dijk respond to Giovanni Leoni's devastating injury update
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(Credit:Imago)
Aasif Rahman
Thu 25 September 2025 9:45, UK
Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni shared an emotional message on social media after news of his injury, which saw plenty of reactions.
Leoni had impressed Liverpool supporters on his debut in the side’s 2-1 victory over Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
However, his first start was cut short and ended in disappointment as he was forced off in the 81st minute due to injury.
Liverpool had signed Leoni in the summer amid other interest to add depth and competition for a fee of around £26 million as a potential long-term option.
But those plans have been dealt a setback, as Leoni has reportedly suffered an ACL tear, which will likely keep him out for a number of months.
Now, with news of his injury, the Italian broke his silence on social media and saw plenty of support from his teammates.
Leoni joined Liverpool from Parma for £26m.
Leoni addressed supporters and his teammates on Instagram with an emotional message following news of his injury.
He wrote:
“I want to sincerely thank every single person who has shown me support in this difficult moment.
Thank you so much!”
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The defender saw support from his new teammates in the comments with Florian Wirtz saying: “You’ll come back stronger” while Virgil van Dijk, Alexander Isak and Ibrahima Konate left heart emojis.
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With the 18-year-old expected to be out for a long period of time, Federico Chiesa looks set to replace Leoni in the Champions League squad.
Despite Liverpool moving for Marc Guehi in the summer, the Reds advanced on a deal for Leoni to add competition amid Konate’s uncertain future.
But with the defender sidelined, Arne Slot will now be forced to rely more heavily on the defensive options he inherited last season.
Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media
While a move for Guehi was blocked on deadline day, the Reds will face a blow if they want to make another move amid Leoni’s injury.
Football Insider revealed that Guehi has his heart set on Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants joining the queue to sign him on a free transfer.
It is understood that the Englishman believes Liverpool delayed a deal and are now no longer in pole position if they revisit their interest in the coming window.