Report: Sassuolo considering Acerbi opportunity after Leysen injury

Report: Sassuolo considering Acerbi opportunity after Leysen injury Sassuolo are weighing up their options following a long-term injury to centre-back Fedde Leysen, and according to reports on Thursday, former Inter and Italy defender Francesco Acerbi is among the players they could turn to. Report: Sassuolo weighing up potential Acerbi return Leysen joined Sassuolo on loan with an option to buy from Union Saint-Gilloise during the summer transfer window but is set to miss the vast majority of the 2026-27 campaign after suffering a major cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during Sunday’s Serie A draw against Milan . New Sassuolo signing Fedde Leysen (@sassuolous) Sassuolo still have several other options at centre-back, including Jay Idzes, Fali Cande, Duje Caleta-Car and Cas Odenthal, but reports from SportItalia claim that they are also considering dipping into the free agent market to bolster their ranks. Among those options is 38-year-old former Italy international Acerbi, who has been available as a free agent following the end of his contract with Inter back in June. He had previously spent five years on Sassuolo’s books between 2013 and 2018, making 173 appearances across all competitions including 157 in Serie A. MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 20: Mikel Merino of Arsenal passes the ball whilst under pressure from Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale Milano during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Arsenal FC at Stadio San Siro on January 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) There are few players more experienced in Serie A than the veteran centre-back, who has 423 appearances to his name in the Italian top flight across spells with Inter, Lazio, Sassuolo, Chievo and Milan.