Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori, a standout performer for Italy in Euro 2024. The 22-year-old left-back had already caught Liverpool’s attention with his impressive performances for Bologna in his first season, featuring in 37 games across all competitions. Other Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, Brighton, and West Ham, have also enquired about Calafiori’s availability.
According to James Horncastle of The Athletic, who is known for his reliable insights into Italian football, interest in Calafiori was already high before the Euros. While Bologna wishes to retain their talented player, Juventus, who recently appointed Thiago Motta as their new manager, are said to be in pole position for his signing.
Although no price tag has been mentioned, any potential deal for Calafiori is expected to be expensive due to Basel’s entitlement to a significant percentage of the transfer fee. Horncastle describes Calafiori as a “hybrid centre-back” who was converted from an attacking left-back position by Motta at Bologna. Despite still making appearances as a left-back, Calafiori has settled into his new role as a progressive and ball-playing centre-back.
Liverpool’s interest in Calafiori is understandable as they are in the market for a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk or a left-sided centre-back to fit into Arne Slot’s preferred system. Slot, previously at Feyenoord, would often build up play with the right-back moving into midfield and the left-back joining the two starting centre-backs as a three-man unit.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold maintaining his hybrid right-back role, a player like Calafiori could seamlessly fit in as the left-sided centre-back alongside Van Dijk and either Jarell Quansah or Ibrahima Konate. Liverpool has also been linked with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Chelsea’s Levi Colwill, both of whom could perform a similar role.
However, it is worth noting that the pursuit of Lille’s Leny Yoro, a natural right-sided player, is seen as a unique opportunity rather than a fundamental part of Liverpool’s recruitment plans. This suggests that any other potential signings, including Calafiori, would be separate moves.
While Calafiori may not be Liverpool’s top priority at the moment, the interest from Anfield is certainly plausible. He represents a strong fit for the role that seems to be opening up in Liverpool’s squad, making him a valuable option to consider in their shortlist of potential targets.