Rumor Mongering: Liverpool In Talks For Defender Riccardo Calafiori
According to sources out of Italy, Liverpool are working to sign the Bologna center back
Liverpool have officially kicked off the Arne Slot era, with the Dutchman inheriting a squad that talent spread across the squad. With a major overhaul of the midfield last summer and no glaring holes in the current set up, new Sporting Director Richard Hughes can focus on strengthening a few key areas.
One of the positions that most expect the Reds to dip their toe into the market to strengthen is center back. Joël Matip has left the club, leaving Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and young phenom Jarell Quansah as the returning core. Joe Gomez has spent much of his career playing in the center of defense, but he proved his value last season as a utility player, stepping in for both fullback positions and holding midfield as well as central defense.
Liverpool were said to be interested in highly rated young defender Leny Yoro, but the Spaniard seems set to sign with Real Madrid. Hughes and the technical staff seemed to have already moved on, with a focus on Italian Riccardo Calafiori. The Bologna defender is primarily a left-footed center back, but has the ability to play as a left back in a pinch as well.
According to Italian publication Corriere di Bologna, Liverpool have begun to advance talks with Bologna for the 22 year old with the likes of Juventus, West Ham, and Newcastle also sniffing around. Bologna are said to be asking £21.3 million for Calafiori, but a strong showing from the defender during the Euros could see that price tag rise. He started the first two matches for Italy, performing well against Albania before scoring an own goal against Spain.
Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com
Post a Comment