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Tag: Riccardo Calafiori

  • The four players on Liverpool’s transfer wishlist should chill Pep Guardiola to the bone

    The four players on Liverpool’s transfer wishlist should chill Pep Guardiola to the bone

    The four players on Liverpool's transfer wishlist should chill Pep Guardiola to the bone. Liverpool wants to add four more first team

    Liverpool wants to add four more first team players to Arne Slot’s roster this summer before the transfer market closes at the end of the month.

    Liverpool wants to add four players to its roster this summer in order to strengthen Arne Slot’s team for the forthcoming Premier League season.

    Although most of Liverpool’s opponents have made moves in the summer transfer window, Liverpool has not made a signing. Arsenal acquired Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori, while Manchester City signed Brazilian winger Savinho.

    Manchester United, who is also pursuing Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui of Bayern Munich, has signed Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee. Liverpool hasn’t yet entered the market, but that could be about to happen.

    According to The Independent, Liverpool plans to add four players this summer. The centre back, the defensive midfielder, and possibly two wide strikers are what the Reds want to add. Those two positions, the first two, seem to make sense.

    Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and Jarell Quansah are Liverpool’s four healthy centre backs, as Joel Matip left on a free transfer this summer following an ACL injury. While Konate has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, the latter of those four is still developing as a senior player.

    Because they don’t have a left-footed centre defender, Liverpool apparently had interest in Calafiori before he decided to sign with Arsenal. During their engine room makeover last summer, the Reds also made many attempts to sign a defensive midfielder, but they were unable to persuade Romeo Lavia or Moises Caicedo to pick Anfield over Chelsea. As a result, they signed Wataru Endo, who was considered a stopgap player.

    The Reds’ four-man shortlist is likely the most intriguing in terms of prospective additions, as they are well-stocked at wide forward, and it appears they may want to add two more this summer. The Reds could start Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, or Cody Gakpo on the left. Ben Doak, a young player, and Mohamed Salah and Harvey Elliot are on the right.

    However, it makes sense to go for another wide forward if Slot believes that Elliot is better off in the midst of the pitch rather than out wide. This summer, Liverpool has been connected to several attackers; two players the Reds like are Anthony Gordon and Takefusa Kubo.

    According to Liverpool.com, it is not surprising that Liverpool is interested in a defender and a defensive midfielder. It was linked to many center-backs this time around, and last summer it sought to sign a top defensive midfield player.

    It does make sense to have a wide forward up front, even if they can also operate from the right. It will be intriguing to observe, though, if Liverpool attempts to sign a second centre striker this summer. Darwin Nunez is frequently too unpredictable, while Cody Gakpo’s performances at the European Championship demonstrate that he is most effective when operating off the left rather than through the middle.

  • Liverpool transfer news: Reds send counsel as Trent Alexander-Arnold contemplates leaving

    Liverpool transfer news: Reds send counsel as Trent Alexander-Arnold contemplates leaving

    Riccardo Calafiori

    Prior to the new season, Liverpool’s new manager Arne Slot is eager to add players to his roster, but the team is also eager to sign long-term contracts with its important players.

    After Jurgen Klopp chose to resign as manager after nine years in charge, Arne Slot took over and brought Liverpool into a new era.

    Although the Reds have not yet added any players this summer, with the Premier League season starting in just four weeks, it is anticipated that activity will pick up. With Thiago Alcantara’s retirement and Joel Matip and Adrian’s departure following the expiration of their contracts, there have already been a number of departures.

    In addition, Liverpool sent defender Calvin Ramsay to Wigan on loan, and other prominent players are nearing the conclusion of their contracts. Here is the most recent Anfield transfer news, keeping everything in mind.

    Trent considers moving to Real Madrid

    According to a recent story from The Independent, Trent Alexander-Arnold is considering to “see how things go” at Liverpool before deciding on his future. He has been linked to a move to Real Madrid.

    As Alexander-Arnold approaches the last year of his Anfield deal, rumours have it that the right-back’s strong friendship with Jude Bellingham may influence his decision to join Real Madrid.

    Not only does he have a contract expiring at Anfield next summer, but Liverpool also needs to decide what will happen to star player Mohamed Salah and club captain Virgil van Dijk.

    Van Dijk update 

    Riccardo Calafiori

    Van Dijk is not likely to leave Liverpool this season, according to Di Marzio, as the Reds embark on a new chapter under Slot.

    He told wettbasis.com, “I don’t think van Dijk will leave this summer.” “I believe Virgil can be so important to transmit the ideas of Liverpool to the new coach at this moment of change after the Jurgen Klopp era, so I don’t think they will let him go this summer.”

    “At the end of this season we’ll see if he will go or not.”He won’t likely play for another Premier League team, in my opinion. The only reason I can see offers coming from Saudi Arabia is that he’s a sought player there. We’ll see if the athlete wants to attempt this experience or stay in Europe and compete for titles and the Champions League when they arrive, I’m not sure when.

    Liverpool tipped to outsmart Arsenal’s move.

    Liverpool transfer news: Reds send counsel as Trent Alexander-Arnold contemplates leaving

    Dietmar Hamann, a former midfielder for Liverpool, has urged the Reds to attempt to sabotage Arsenal’s acquisition of Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori.

    The Bologna defender, who excelled at Euro 2024, has been strongly linked to Arsenal, and Hamann thinks Liverpool would be a great match for him.”Riccardo Calafiori is a very good player and is so comfortable on the ball, it’s no surprise that when he missed Italy’s game against Switzerland, they put in a terrible performance,” he told Top Offshore Casinos.

    “They were terrible from beginning to end. That followed his setup of Croatia’s last-minute equaliser. I believe Virgil van Dijk stated that he wanted to stay and be with Arne Slot, his compatriot, in order to assist him in getting back to winning ways at Liverpool. Despite being an excellent defender, Ibrahima Konate sustains too many injuries. Calafiori, depending on his price, would be a very fine player.”

  • Liverpool is ‘working’ on three acquisitions to bolster Arne Slot’s starting lineup.

    Liverpool is ‘working’ on three acquisitions to bolster Arne Slot’s starting lineup.

    Bologna

    Since the arrival of new head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool has been silent in the transfer market. It seems, however, that Anfield’s recruitment chiefs are ratcheting up their efforts.

    As Arne Slot tries to lead Anfield into a new era, Liverpool’s transfer chiefs are apparently working on three new players to strengthen his starting XI.

    After nine incredible years as the Reds’ manager, Jurgen Klopp left, leaving the Dutchman in charge on Merseyside. It’s also likely that the former head coach of Feyenoord won’t be the only new hire this summer, as Football Insider reports that the hiring team is already pursuing a number of possible candidates.

    According to their report, the Reds have had a quieter start to the transfer market and could add three players to their roster for the upcoming season. Liverpool has not been under any noticeable pressure to make any notable moves in the market as a result of the Premier League’s June 30 Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) deadline.

    That does not imply, however, that the rumours that connected the Merseysiders to a slew of elite players have slowed down recently. Even though many of the best players in the world are presently competing for their countries in the Copa America and Euro 2024 competitions, it seems that some progress has been made in terms of identifying possible targets.

    Bologna center-back Riccardo Calafiori, 22, is one of the players rumoured to have attracted the attention of Anfield dealmakers. The Athletic reports that Calafiori caught their attention while playing for his country in Germany this summer. Liverpool’s interest in Lille defender Leny Yoro is another connection that has seen strength in the last month, according to the Liverpool ECHO.

    Bologna

    Mundo Deportivo has previously hinted that the Reds are among the teams interested in acquiring Joshua Kimmich, the star midfielder for Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, Liverpool is just one of several possible destinations for Manuel Ugarte, the agent of Paris Saint-Germain defensive midfielder, this summer, according to Portuguese publication O Jogo.

    But the Reds’ opportunity to recruit Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United was arguably the most concrete connection of the summer thus far. The rumours of an impending move to Anfield reportedly turned the England winger’s head, and the negotiations failed because the Magpies wanted Jarrell Quansah to leave in any such deal, according to Mirror Football and The Telegraph.

    Although it’s yet unclear who players will sign a contract to join Liverpool this summer, it appears that incoming head coach Slot is eager to collaborate with sporting director Richard Hughes on transfer issues going forward. He declared: “When it comes to transfers, Richard and I will collaborate, but there will be a large backstage team involved as well.

    “I believe that this is how I have always worked, and it is the best method for me to work because I can make the most of my time working with the team, with the remaining time likely going towards family time and a discussion with Richard on how we can improve the team. However, we already have a very capable group.”

  • Already, Riccardo Calafiori has indicated his preference for playing for two Premier League teams.

    Already, Riccardo Calafiori has indicated his preference for playing for two Premier League teams.

    Riccardo Calafiori

    One of the most sought-after centre backs in soccer history, Riccardo Calafiori is being courted by many Premier League teams, including Liverpool; however, the Italian acknowledged that he was also interested in two other English teams.

    Riccardo Calafiori, a target for Liverpool, has named Chelsea and West Ham as two Premier League teams he would like to play for.

    While playing for Basel in 2022, the 22-year-old defender made the admission. Following that, he had a quick ascent at Bologna and Italy during the 2024 European Championship. Due to his stellar play over the past year, Liverpool, Arsenal, the Hammers, and Chelsea have all expressed interest in signing him.

    The defender, who was Italy’s best player at the Euros until they lost to Switzerland in the Round of 16 and had to give up the European crown, was also linked to Juventus. “I see myself going back to Italy, either to Roma, or fulfilling my ambition of playing in the Premier League. “I truly enjoy Chelsea or West Ham,” Calafiori stated to Voce Giallo Rossa in 2022.

    Despite Calafiori’s earlier positive declaration, the fact that neither club will be participating in Champions League football next season may work against them. Bologna, who will compete in Europe’s top club competition next season, is reportedly looking to sell their star defender for around $50 million. While all of the Premier League teams involved are able to pay the Italian club’s demands, only Liverpool and Arsenal can provide the dashing defender with Champions League football.

    After finishing sixth in the Premier League under Mauricio Pochettino’s leadership the previous season, Chelsea will participate in the Europa Conference League the following year. After Manchester United’s FA Cup victory over Premier League winners Manchester City earlier this year, they were demoted to Europe’s third tier league.

    Riccardo Calafiori

    In addition, the Hammers’ hopes of competing in Europe the next season under their new manager, Julen Lopategui, were dashed after they fell to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League quarterfinals, despite their strong start under David Moyes.

    Basel, the defender’s last squad, is expected to get a substantial portion of whatever transfer money that Bologna pays for him. The entire amount is reportedly 40% of any fees over $6 million, which means the Swiss side will receive a huge financial windfall.

    A vital component of Italy manager Luciano Spalletti’s strategy leading up to the 2026 World Cup—a tournament they haven’t participated in since 2014 in Brazil—will be Calafiori. Despite Italy’s miserable European title defence this summer, Spalletti will continue in his role.

    Gabriele Gravina, chairman of Italy’s football federation, told reporters, “I’m pragmatic; it’s impossible to resolve problems by abandoning a long-term project or the coach and players involved in it.” Gravina continued: “We can’t expect a Kylian Mbappe or Cristiano Ronaldo to suddenly emerge, so we need to be patient.”

    The Azzurri must rediscover who they are, according to Spalletti, the Italy manager who joined the team after guiding Napoli to a historic Serie A championship. “Clearly not, as we would be talking about something else if I had,” Spalletti remarked. “We need to start over from scratch because last night’s match dropped us back to zero.”

    According to Liverpool.com, Calafiori will have no shortage of suitors if he decides to leave Bologna this summer or the following. The Champions League football played by the Reds and Arsenal will help them in the transfer market.

  • The dream Liverpool team of Arne Slot with nine departures, Riccardo Calafiori and three new arrivals

    The dream Liverpool team of Arne Slot with nine departures, Riccardo Calafiori and three new arrivals

    Ederson

    As Liverpool’s players return back for pre-season training next week, Arne Slot will soon get to know his new teammates. He hopes to bring in some new players.

    In the next months, Arne Slot, the new head coach of Liverpool, will have a lot of decisions to make, including meeting his new team for the first time.

    Next Monday, the first group of players—mostly the club’s youth players and those not playing for their countries this summer—are scheduled to return to the AXA Training Centre. Stars from Copa America or Euro 2024 will follow later, while the Olympics could throw another wrench in the works.

    In any case, Slot will have the chance to manage his new teammates and make some crucial choices that will affect several of them in the future. Some might very well leave Anfield for the 2024–2025 season, while others might be headed for a more permanent relocation.

    A list of 10 such players who might be moving this summer has been put together by The Daily Mail. Young players Bobby Clark, James McConnell, and Luke Chambers are among those rumoured to be going on loan to gain more experience on the pitch.

    Sepp van den Berg, Adrian, and Nat Phillips are the ones most likely to be moved on permanently out of the group. Meanwhile, Fabio Carvalho is said to have a list of suitors from England, Germany, France, Spain, and the Netherlands, and Tyler Morton is allegedly of interest to RB Leipzig.

    Ederson

    Additionally noted as potential exits are Kostas Tsimikas and Caoimhin Kelleher. In a perfect world, Liverpool could hang onto the former, but it would be very reasonable if he decided to move elsewhere for his shot at the top spot. In regards to Tsimikas, the Greek international may not be able to unseat Andy Robertson as the starting left-back, and his future may depend on the actions taken by the Reds.

    In relation to that, one name has garnered a lot of attention during the past few weeks. In a number of ways, Riccardo Calafiori has drawn attention for Italy at Euro 2024 following an outstanding Serie A season with Bologna.

    Liverpool is reportedly one of several teams who have contacted The Athletic regarding his services. Although Liverpool won’t be the only team showing interest, if it can prevail in the competition for the $32 million defender, he would not only provide insurance at left defence and address the Reds’ need to let go of Tsimikas.

    If Adrian needs a new custodian, Vitezslav Jaros or Fabian Mrozek, who is presently playing for the Czech Republic at Euro 2024, would be able to step up to the senior team. Though we hope he doesn’t, Slot will be extremely familiar with Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow, who would make an excellent backup to Alisson should Kelleher leave.

    After the rebuilding last year, the midfield appears much more established, yet a new number six would still fit in very nicely. Ederson of Atalanta has been connected, and ideally Liverpool will move when his Brazil commitments end this summer.

    Ultimately, there is a lot of conjecture among the strikers, but ideally this summer, Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz will remain in their current positions, and they might be joined by another newcomer. Johan Bakayoko, who is only 21 years old, may be the perfect candidate to someday supplant Salah on the right and round out Slot’s dream team, even though we haven’t seen much of him at the Euros yet.

    Goalkeepers: Alisson, Kelleher, Bijlow

    Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Bradley, Gomez, Konate, Calafiori, Robertson, Quansah

    Midfielders: Ederson, Szoboszlai, Jones, Gravenberch, Elliott, Endo, Mac Allister

    Forwards: Salah, Nunez, Gakpo, Diaz, Bakayoko, Jota

  • “I can’t focus on Euro 2024 because the transfer target of Liverpool is too attractive.”

    “I can’t focus on Euro 2024 because the transfer target of Liverpool is too attractive.”

    "I can't focus on Euro 2024 because the transfer target from Liverpool is too attractive."

    Italian defender Riccardo Califiori has been making waves at the European Championships, and Liverpool is reportedly interested in signing him for a number of reasons.

    Amidst rumours of a transfer to Liverpool, Italian centre back Riccardo Califiori is becoming one of the stars of the European Championships. It also seems like he has a growing fan base of female supporters.

    With Joel Matip departing as a free agent and Virgil van Dijk turning 33 the following season, Liverpool may require a long-term replacement in addition to Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, and the developing Jarrell Quansah.

    After his breakthrough season, Califiori appears to be a viable alternative. The 22-year-old sensation, who spent a season in Switzerland with Basel before returning to the Serie A, is expected to receive a transfer from Torino.

    He definitely meets the description of the kind of player Arne Slot would want to add to his team this summer as a left-sided defender.

    His other attributes, however, have not gone unnoticed. One of Califiori’s admirers sent a wonderful email to Liverpool.com, saying, “Hey guys, I’m a woman and I love men’s football but I cannot focus on these Italy games.” The Riccardo Calafiori #5 is just too attractive. He may be the most attractive football player to have ever set foot on the pitch. Whoa. Calafiori is one of the Italian talents that the Premier League needs more of!”

    "I can't focus on Euro 2024 because the transfer target from Liverpool is too attractive."

    Another person tweeted: “Despite Italy’s early mistake, this is an interesting tactical observation to note: Riccardo Calafiori is, without a doubt, the sexiest man on the planet.” What a total cutie.”

    Another remarked, “Italian, tall, long hair, handsome, cb, retro look… Riccardo Califiori,” while another wrote: “Just remembered the handsome devil Riccardo Calafiori faces of against the mystic juju Modric in the battle of the headbands tonight.”

    Liverpool has reportedly already enquired about his services, according to The Athletic. However, there will probably be competition for his signature, as many elite European teams are said to be interested.

    In addition to being a left-footed central defender—something that Liverpool supporters have long hoped the team would acquire—Calciori has continuously demonstrated his ability to move the ball out of defence and into attack. He expertly set up Italy’s equaliser against Croatia while carrying the ball thirty yards.

    Additionally, Califiori has demonstrated his left-back skills, which may render Kostas Tsimikas unnecessary given that he played in just 13 league games the previous year.

    More news……

    Liverpool’s Premier League fixtures for the 2024-25 season

    The Arne Slot era begins in Ipswich. The Reds' entire top-flight schedule has been confirmed. This season marks the beginning of a new era for Liverpool, after nearly nine years.

    The Arne Slot era begins in Ipswich. The Reds’ entire top-flight schedule has been confirmed.

    This season marks the beginning of a new era for Liverpool, after nearly nine years.

    Jurgen Klopp has left a legacy for Arne Slot to build on, and the new Reds manager will be eager to get started in his first Premier League game, away to newly promoted Ipswich Town.

    Slot has had a mixed start, with Liverpool’s first significant test coming away to Manchester United before the end of August. They will meet last season’s runners-up Arsenal on October 26 and Manchester City for the first time on November 30, when the champions visit Anfield. Their Merseyside derbies against Everton are in December and April, with the first at Goodiosn Park. Liverpool will visit Leicester City on Boxing Day before concluding their 2024 season away to West Ham. The season closes at home against Crystal Palace.

    Liverpool confirmed Premier League fixture list for 2024/25

    17/08/2024 – 12:30 – Ipswich Town (a)

    24/08/2024 – 15:00 – Brentford (h)

    31/08/2024 – 15:00 – Manchester United (a)

    14/09/2024 – 15:00 – Nottingham Forest (h)

    21/09/2024 – 15:00 – A.F.C. Bournemouth (h)

    28/09/2024 – 15:00 – Wolverhampton (a)

    05/10/2024 – 15:00 – Crystal Palace (a)

    19/10/2024 – 15:00 – Chelsea (h)

    26/10/2024 – 15:00 – Arsenal (a)

    02/11/2024 – 15:00 – Brighton (h)

    09/11/2024 – 15:00 – Aston Villa (h)

    23/11/2024 – 15:00 – Southampton (a)

    30/11/2024 – 15:00 – Manchester City (h)

    04/12/2024 – 19:45 – Newcastle United (a)

    07/12/2024 – 15:00 – Everton (a)

    14/12/2024 – 15:00 – Fulham (h)

    21/12/2024 – 15:00 – Tottenham Hotspur (a)

    26/12/2024 – 15:00 – Leicester City (h)

    29/12/2024 – 15:00 – West Ham United (a)

    04/01/2025 – 15:00 – Manchester United (h)

    14/01/2025 – 19:45 – Nottingham Forest (a)

    18/01/2025 – 15:00 – Brentford (a)

    25/01/2025 – 15:00 – Ipswich Town (h)

    01/02/2025 – 15:00 – A.F.C. Bournemouth (a)

    15/02/2025 – 15:00 – Wolverhampton (h)

    22/02/2025 – 15:00 – Manchester City (a)

    26/02/2025 – 20:00 – Newcastle United (h)

    08/03/2025 – 15:00 – Southampton (h)

    15/03/2025 – 15:00 – Aston Villa (a)

    02/04/2025 – 20:00 – Everton (h)

    05/04/2025 – 15:00 – Fulham (a)

    12/04/2025 – 15:00 – West Ham United (h)

    19/04/2025 – 15:00 – Leicester City (a)

    26/04/2025 – 15:00 – Tottenham Hotspur (h)

    03/05/2025 – 15:00 – Chelsea (a)

    10/05/2025 – 15:00 – Arsenal (h)

    18/05/2025 – 15:00 – Brighton (a)

    25/05/2025 – 16:00 – Crystal Palace (h)

  • Liverpool competes with Real Madrid and Juventus for the €40 million ‘new Sergio Ramos’.

    Liverpool competes with Real Madrid and Juventus for the €40 million ‘new Sergio Ramos’.

    Sergio Ramos

    Liverpool is one of the Premier League clubs interested in Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori.

    The 22-year-old made his competitive debut for the Azzurri in the first game of their European Championship campaign against Albania on Saturday night.

    He received glowing praises, with former Madrid and England manager Fabio Capello comparing him to Real Madrid legend – and Liverpool adversary – Sergio Ramos.

    “If I had to compare the Bologna defender to a player from the past, my first thought would be a young Sergio Ramos,” Capello wrote in La Gazzetta dello Sport.

    “In 2006/07, during my second term on the Real Madrid bench, I managed the Spaniard, who had joined from Sevilla the previous season.

    “Calafiori, like Ramos, progressed from full-back to centre-back. And I can promise you that Sergio Ramos, as he is now, did not become that way overnight.”

    Former Bologna head coach Thiago Motta converted Calafiori from a left back to a centre back, and the defender appeared changed during the club’s 2023/24 Serie A campaign, which ended in a Champions League berth for the club and his first Italian call-up.

    Calafiori, a Roma academy graduate, was sold to Basel in the summer of 2022 for about €3 million, with the Swiss club including a 50% sell-on clause in his contract.

    He returned to Serie A with Bologna last summer and might be on the move again, with Europe’s biggest clubs lining up to sign the left-sider.

    CALAFIORI WANTS TO REUNITE WITH THIAGO MOTTA

    According to the Athletic, Premier League suitors include Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle, Brighton, and West Ham, although Juventus and Real Madrid pose the greatest threat to the Reds’ prospects of signing Calafiori.

    Calafiori’s favourite destination is supposedly Juventus; Thiago Motta has been appointed as new head coach, and if the defender leaves Bologna, he wants to join his mentor in Turin.

    However, Juventus may be priced out of a transfer, with Bologna seeking a bidding war and a price tag of around €40 million now being mooted.

    Juve, for their part, are said to be willing to spend only €25 million for Calafiori, despite him being regarded as the top defensive target.

    According to Calciomercato, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid side sees him as an alternative to the more expensive Leny Yoro, whose future with Lille is unknown.

    Calafiori has a contract with Bologna until 2027, and the Rossoblu are not under any pressure to sell given their plans to cash in on Arsenal and Manchester United target Joshua Zirkzee.

    The Reds center-back options

    He appears to be a good fit for Liverpool’s new transfer squad, led by Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes, as a left-sided defender who can play both left back and centre back.

    Furthermore, he is tactically versatile, capable of switching from a back four to a back three.

    Other defenders linked to the position include Lloyd Kelly, Goncalo Inacio, and Levi Colwill.