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Liverpool are among the Premier League clubs who have made inquiries about a move for Bologna’s Euro 2024 star Riccardo Calafiori, who has caught the eye of Italy.
Many became familiar with Calafiori’s name during his country’s 2-1 win over Albania in the opening Group B of the Euros on Saturday.
But the 22-year-old was already on Liverpool’s radar after an outstanding first season with Bologna, making 37 appearances in all competitions following his move from Basel.
That’s according to The Athletic’s James Horncastle – a particularly reliable source when it comes to Italian football – who reported on Tuesday.
Horncastle writes that interest in Calafiori “was already high” heading into the Euros, with Liverpool, Newcastle, Brighton and West Ham all inquiring about his availability.
* Calafiori stats via FBref.
For its part, his club “wants to keep” its 33rd position, although it is interestingly explained that Juventus, whose new manager Thiago Motta arrived from Bologna this summer, “is in pole position for his signature”.
Although no price has been mentioned, any deal for Calafiori would likely be expensive – especially since Basel will be owed 40 to 50 percent of any fee.
Hornkastl describes him as a “hybrid centre-back”, who Motta converted from an attacking left-back at Bologna.
Calafiori still made six appearances at left-back last season but has settled into a new role as a progressive ball-playing centre-back.
The next Van Dijk – or his next partner?
That is, no doubt, of interest to Liverpool, who appear to be in the market for either a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk or a new left centre-back to fit into Arne Slott’s preferred system.
During his time at Feyenoord, Slott would usually develop with his right-back turning into midfield and the left-back joining his two starting centre-backs as a three-man unit.
• READ: Arne Slot tactics: Feyenoord’s system and how Liverpool FC could line up
It’s easy to see how that will translate, with Trent Alexander-Arnold retaining his hybrid right-back role and new arrivals like Calafiori on the left, joining Van Dijk and one of Jarell Quansah or Ibrahim Konata.
Liverpool are also touting a move for Crystal Palace’s Mark Guehi, who could play a similar role, while there is lingering interest in Chelsea’s Levi Colville.
And with Lille’s pursuit of Leny Yoro – a natural right-back – described by The Athletic’s David Ornstein as “a unique market opportunity rather than a core part of their recruitment plans”, it would suggest any other move would be separate.
For now, it’s likely that Calafiori should be considered on a short list of possible targets rather than a No. 1 option.
But claims of interest from Anfield are certainly feasible, with the Italian fitting perfectly into the role that appears to be opening up in the team.
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