Former footballer Mattia De Sciglio has spoken about his decision to decline an opportunity to join Liverpool back in 2017. At that time, the club was beginning to assemble a squad that would achieve significant success, particularly with the arrival of Virgil van Dijk in early 2018.
De Sciglio’s Decision Against Liverpool
De Sciglio, now 33, was playing for AC Milan when Liverpool expressed interest in signing him. Rather than moving to Anfield, he opted to join Juventus to reunite with his former manager Massimiliano Allegri. He cited the strong squad at Juventus and his personal resurgence after Euro 2016 as key factors in his choice.
Career Highlights
- Signed with Juventus: Joined in the summer of 2017 after Liverpool’s interest.
- Trophies Won: Secured three Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia titles during his time at Juventus.
- Loan Spells: Had a loan stint at Lyon in 2020 and returned to Empoli last season.
- Free Agent Status: Has been without a club since his contract with Juventus ended in 2025.
Reflecting on the Liverpool Opportunity
Had De Sciglio chosen Liverpool, he could have been playing alongside Van Dijk, who was crucial to Liverpool’s defensive success shortly after his own signing. The Reds have a history of signing Italian players, including Giovanni Leoni and Federico Chiesa in recent years, but their last significant Italian signing before these was Mario Balotelli in 2014.
Despite his current free agent status, De Sciglio remains keen on continuing his football career. He trained daily in hopes of attracting new offers and reviving his professional journey.
Conclusion
Mattia De Sciglio’s choice to prioritize Juventus over Liverpool is a significant moment in his career. It raises questions about how a partnership with Virgil van Dijk could have influenced both his career trajectory and Liverpool’s success during that period. As a versatile player, he remains a talent still poised for opportunities in football.
