Liverpool have suffered a major setback in their bid to sign Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori in the summer transfer window.
The Athletic reported on 18 June that the Reds are one of the clubs showing keen interest in the 22-year-old who enjoyed an “exceptional” 2023-24 campaign for Serie A club Bologna.
In fact, the Reds made an approach to the Italian club to inquire about the player. Signing a young centre-back is a priority for Liverpool, and Calafiori emerged as an option for them.
However, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Juventus have emerged as the winner in the race to sign the centre-back. they are currently finalizing an agreement, with the fee rising upto £42 million. His departure is now a formality.
Arne Slot has three main centre-backs – Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez – while Jarrell Quansah emerged as a regular last season under Jurgen Klopp.
However, Liverpool still need one more quality defender in their ranks after Joel Matip left the club following the expiry of his contract.
It is quite evident that Michael Edwards is looking to sign an exciting young centre-back this summer, and the Reds have been linked with a move for Lille’s Leny Yoro as well.
The Reds are highly unlikely to pull off a deal for Yoro who prefers a move to Real Madrid. Now, it appears that they will miss out on a deal for Calafiori as well.
Calafiori is a “hybrid” defender who has been producing impressive performances for Italy in the Euro 2024 Championships.
Liverpool are expected to consider more options in the coming days, but the news of Calafiori joining Juventus would come as a massive blow for them.
