De Sciglio Rejected Liverpool for Juventus & Missed Klopp’s Revolution

Former Italy International Reveals Rejected Liverpool Move

Mattia De Sciglio, currently a free agent, has revealed he turned down the opportunity to join Liverpool in the summer of 2017, opting instead for a move to Juventus. The decision came as Jurgen Klopp was building a formidable squad at Anfield, one that would soon challenge for and win, major honors.

At the time, the 33-year-old De Sciglio was attracting attention from several top European clubs while playing for AC Milan. Liverpool, under Klopp, were in the process of reshaping their defense, having already secured the services of Andrew Robertson and with Trent Alexander-Arnold emerging as a key player. The arrival of Virgil van Dijk in January 2018 would further solidify their backline, creating a unit that would become renowned for its strength and resilience.

De Sciglio, a former Italy international who featured in the Euro 2016 quarterfinals, possessed the versatility to play on either flank, a quality that clearly appealed to Klopp. However, the defender ultimately chose to reunite with Massimiliano Allegri, his former manager at Milan, at Juventus.

“Liverpool also wanted me, but I chose Turin,” De Sciglio told Calciomercato.com. “Allegri was on the bench and the team was really strong. And finding myself in a dressing room full of champions, after also playing a key role in the European Championship, was a great revenge after the difficult period I had gone through.”

The move to Juventus proved successful for De Sciglio, as he went on to win three Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia trophies during his time in Turin. He later spent time on loan at Lyon and Empoli, but his contract expired in the summer of 2025, leaving him without a club for the past seven months.

The revelation comes at a time when Liverpool are facing defensive challenges. Recent injuries to key players like Joe Gomez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Dominik Szoboszlai – the latter after a red card against Manchester City – have stretched the squad’s resources. The club has been active in bringing in Italian talent recently, with Giovanni Leoni joining in 2025 following Federico Chiesa’s arrival the previous year, but a move for De Sciglio now appears unlikely.

De Sciglio’s career trajectory highlights the often-complex decisions players face when choosing between clubs. While a move to Liverpool could have seen him become a part of one of the most successful teams in English football, partnering with a defender of Van Dijk’s caliber, he ultimately prioritized a reunion with a familiar manager and the opportunity to play alongside established champions.

His adaptability, initially as a full-back and more recently in a central defensive role, would have been a valuable asset to any team. During his loan spell with Empoli last season, he frequently featured in the center of defense, demonstrating his ability to transition positions as his career has progressed. This versatility is a trait increasingly valued by modern managers.

Despite his current free agent status, De Sciglio remains committed to maintaining his fitness, training daily in anticipation of a potential opportunity. However, with Liverpool’s recent recruitment and the existing options within their squad, a return to Merseyside seems improbable. The club’s current defensive concerns, while significant, are likely to be addressed through other avenues.

The story serves as a reminder of the ‘what ifs’ that permeate the world of football. Had De Sciglio chosen Liverpool in 2017, the landscape of both his career and the club’s defensive setup could have been dramatically different. Instead, he forged a successful path in Italy, while Liverpool built a dynasty with a different set of players.