Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes, as revealed by journalist Fabrizio Romano, has long admired Bologna and Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori.
Hughes joins a restructured senior team at the Merseyside club this summer, following the departure of longtime manager Jurgen Klopp. Fenway Sports Group (FSG) appointed Michael Edwards as their new CEO of football, with Hughes subsequently assuming the role of sporting director at Liverpool.
Former Feyenoord manager Arne Slot has since been appointed as the club’s new head coach, succeeding Klopp at Anfield. Now, all new arrivals face a crucial summer in preparing the squad for another demanding season in the Premier League and a return to Champions League football.
Liverpool seem to be actively seeking a central defender this summer, having been previously linked with Lille’s Leny Yoro. Recent reports now also indicate their interest in Bologna’s Calafiori.
The 22-year-old defender came through Roma’s academy and has since played for Genoa and Basel before joining Bologna last summer for a minimal fee.
He impressed during his recent season with Bologna and garnered attention with standout performances for Italy at Euro 2024. Italian sources suggest he could command a fee of €50m (£42m).
According to Romano, Liverpool’s Hughes has long admired Calafiori, describing him “one of the best” defenders, dating back to their time together at Bournemouth. Despite this interest, there has been no direct contact between the clubs yet, leaving uncertainty over whether Liverpool will pursue a move for him.
“All these clubs have been scouting him because he’s been fantastic for Bologna and also at the Euros for Italy he is doing really well. For example, Liverpool director Richard Hughes, when he was at Bournemouth, he used to scout Calafiori when he was playing for Roma and Basel.
“He is a player Hughes always appreciated, but at the moment, I am not aware of anything concrete between Liverpool and Bologna.”
Liverpool Handed a Boost in Brazilian Goalkeeper Race
Liverpool have received a significant boost in their pursuit of Brazilian goalkeeper Bento, according to recent reports. Uncertainty looms over the futures of Caoimhin Kelleher and Adrian at Anfield, prompting the Reds to actively seek a new goalkeeper this summer.
Globo Esporte reports that Liverpool, alongside several other European clubs, have expressed interest in acquiring Bento from Athletico Paranaense, his current club in Brazil. The report also mentions Portuguese sides Benfica and Sporting as potential destinations for the 25-year-old.
In a positive turn of events for Liverpool, Inter Milan seem to have withdrawn from the race for Bento, shifting their focus to Genoa’s Josep Martinez instead.
Bento is under contract with Athletico Paranaense until 2026, and despite Inter’s €15 million bid being rejected, the Brazilian club remain adamant about retaining him, indicating that Bento could stay beyond the Copa America unless their valuation is met.
| Bento all-time stats for Athletico Paranaense | |
|---|---|
| Stat: | |
| Appearances | 163 |
| Clean sheets | 58 |
| Goals conceded | 163 |
| Minutes played | 14,670 |
Bento emerged from Athletico’s youth system and earned promotion to their first team in 2020. Initially the fifth choice goalkeeper, he quickly ascended to become their primary goalkeeper by 2022, accumulating more than 160 appearances for the club.
In other Liverpool news, Former Liverpool Manager Makes Confident England Prediction and Names His Euro 2024 Potential Winners