Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool was on the hunt for full-backs in the summer having eventually settled on Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.
However, there are fresh reports in Italy suggesting the Reds have already tested the waters for Atalanta defender Marco Palestra.
According to Calciomercato, Liverpool submitted a €20m offer for the 20-year-old in the summer, only for Atalanta to turn it down before sending the full-back on loan to Cagliari.
Since then, Palestra’s form in Sardinia has only strengthened the impression that Europe’s elite – including Liverpool – are circling ahead of a potential move.
The reports outline that Palestra is viewed as one of the most promising young full-backs in Serie A, and his situation is being closely monitored by foreign clubs, with the Premier League a particularly likely destination.
Liverpool are specifically mentioned as having already made their move with that rejected €20m proposal.
It is further claimed that Atalanta have now significantly raised their demands: the Bergamo club are understood to want around €40m to consider a sale, and if that figure is not met they are prepared to keep Palestra at the club until 2027.
After Cagliari’s 2–1 defeat to his parent club Atalanta this past Saturday, Palestra was asked about the growing noise around his future and the reported Liverpool interest.
Speaking to the Italian press, the full-back explained that the attention is “nice” but that his focus remains on the pitch for Cagliari:
“The attention is nice, I’m just focused on doing well in the rossoblù jersey.”
“We need to improve, even if we always play with an open face. I’m improving defensively, but also in counterattacking. I have to thank the coach for pushing me
So far this season with Cagliari, he has played 14 Serie A matches, registering 3 assists and quickly emerging as one of the standout young full-backs in Europe. Italian reports highlight his growing maturity, his improvements in the defensive phase and his value in counterattacking situations – traits that naturally appeal to high-intensity, attack-minded sides like Liverpool.
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