Liverpool are still planning their first signing under the Arne Slot era and might pull off the ideal swap deal for the Dutchman.
Liverpool could potentially execute a beneficial swap deal that would address a gap for Arne Slot this summer. With Joel Matip departing on a free transfer, the Reds lack a left-footed centre-back, despite having several high-quality options in central defence.
All of their primary four choices—Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and Jarell Quansah—are right-footed. Chelsea’s Levi Colwill was a target last summer before he renewed his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool decided not to pursue an alternative, but 12 months later, a player who has impressed at Euro 2024 might now be the answer they need. That player is Riccardo Calafiori.
Calafiori helped Bologna finish fifth and qualify for the Champions League, and he has since played every minute of Italy’s Euros campaign in Germany. He assisted Mattia Zaccagni’s crucial late equaliser against Croatia on Monday.
This follows a Serie A season in which he contributed two goals and five assists from center-back and left-back. Calafiori played as the left-sided center-half in a back three for Gli Azzurri against Croatia. In the previous two games in Germany, he occupied the same position but in a back four.
The 22-year-old is versatile, able to play comfortably as a full-back, which has unsurprisingly caught the attention of several clubs, including Juventus.
Liverpool are among those interested in the Bologna player, whose versatility, age, and price range make him an ideal target for a problem position.
Reports from Corriere di Bologna and The Athletic have identified Calafiori as an option for Liverpool, with an asking price suggested to be around £40 million. He joined Bologna just 12 months ago from Basel, which will receive 40 percent of any fee paid over £5 million for the Italian.
It’s reported that Bologna are monitoring Liverpool’s Sepp van den Berg as a potential replacement for Calafiori, according to the Daily Mail. Liverpool value the Dutch player, who is looking to leave, at approximately £20 million.
A deal involving Van den Berg moving to Italy for Calafiori, plus additional cash, could be beneficial for both parties. Van den Berg, who plays both centre-back and right-back, impressed during his loan stint in Germany with Mainz last year.
The Netherlands youth international has already expressed his desire to leave Anfield despite Arne Slot’s arrival. Although he might prefer a permanent move to Germany, Bologna offer him his first opportunity to play in the Champions League.
Similarly, Liverpool can provide Calafiori with the chance to play in the Champions League, a prospect that has previously interested him regarding clubs like Chelsea or West Ham. The Reds hope to persuade him to join their project as Slot aims to continue Jurgen Klopp’s successful tenure.
If successful, Calafiori would be a valuable addition for the new manager, especially considering Andy Robertson’s aging and the shortage of left-footed centre-backs at the club.
Furthermore, the No. 33 shirt that Calafiori wore at both Bologna and Basel is already available for him at Merseyside.
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