Liverpool sets sights on Italy’s rising defensive star, initiating early transfer talks.

Liverpool are among several Premier League clubs interested in Bologna’s Euro 2024 standout, Riccardo Calafiori, who has drawn attention for his performance with Italy.

Calafiori’s name became widely recognized after Italy’s 2-1 victory over Albania in their Group B opener on Saturday. However, Liverpool had already been monitoring the 22-year-old due to his impressive debut season at Bologna, where he played 37 matches across all competitions following his transfer from Basel.

According to James Horncastle of The Athletic, a respected source for Italian football news, the interest in Calafiori was significant even before the Euros. Liverpool, Newcastle, Brighton, and West Ham have all made inquiries regarding his availability.

Calafiori stats via FBref

Bologna is keen to retain their No. 33, but Juventus, managed by former Bologna coach Thiago Motta, is reportedly leading the race for his signature. No specific price has been mentioned, but any transfer fee is expected to be substantial, especially since Basel is entitled to 40-50 percent of the fee.

Horncastle describes Calafiori as a “hybrid centre-back,” having transitioned from an attacking left-back to a progressive, ball-playing centre-back under Motta’s guidance at Bologna. While he still played six games as a left-back last season, he has primarily settled into his new role as a centre-back.

This transformation is of particular interest to Liverpool, who are seeking either a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk or a new left-sided centre-back to fit into Arne Slot’s preferred system. At Feyenoord, Slot’s approach often involved the right-back moving into midfield while the left-back joined the central defenders to form a three-man unit.