Xabi Alonso has left Real Madrid after less than eight months in charge (John Walton/PA)
Xabi Alonso has left Real Madrid after less than eight months in charge (John Walton/PA)
Liverpool were reportedly “offered” Marco Palestra before Chelsea moved to take the right-back for more than £47 million.
Xabi Alonso’s first signing as Chelsea boss is set to be Atalanta right-back Palestra, having ‘hijacked’ a move to Inter Milan.
At 21 years old, Palestra has spent the last year on loan at Cagliari and gained plaudits for his attacking nature and excellent ball-carrying ability.
Before Chelsea made their move, “Palestra was also offered to Arsenal and Liverpool,” reporter Ben Jacobs claimed.
He should now sign for the Londoners, though, after a fee of over £47m was agreed between the clubs.
Jacobs explained that “Alonso was a key part of the deal” and “Inter were unable to match Chelsea’s wage proposal.”
Palestra was named Serie A’s best defender this season, though the term defender should be used loosely.
He should take up a similarly attacking role at Chelsea, considering Alonso’s previous tendency to use flying wing-backs at Bayer Leverkusen.
It is interesting to hear that he was supposedly offered to Liverpool, given the Reds’ apparent need for a right-back.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 22, 2025: Liverpool's injured player Conor Bradley before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. Forest won 3-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 22, 2025: Liverpool's injured player Conor Bradley before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. Forest won 3-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Conor Bradley is a favourite among fans and clearly has the potential to be a success, but his recent serious injury could set him back significantly.
Meanwhile, Jeremie Frimpong was Alonso’s player at Leverkusen but hasn’t translated his Bundesliga performances into Premier League form so far.
The Dutchman has also suffered uncharacteristic muscle injuries this season, which are a cause for concern.
It has led to the thinking that Liverpool do need a new full-back, and it would have made sense for Palestra to be on the Reds’ radar.
The fact that Liverpool haven’t gone for the Italian suggests they either have another target in mind or are happy with their set.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - New Year's Day, Thursday, January 1, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United FC at Anfield. The game ended in a goal-less draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - New Year's Day, Thursday, January 1, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United FC at Anfield. The game ended in a goal-less draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
In terms of potential options from the academy, there aren’t any standout figures at right-back currently. For much of the season, midfielders Alvin Ayman and Ollie O’Connor have filled in there.
Natural right-back Josh Davidson could be an outside shout, especially in pre-season, having spent the second half of this season out on loan.
His spell away wasn’t at a particularly high level, though, playing six times for Buxton in the National League North.
Liverpool manager Bill Shankly pictured on his side’s homecoming to the city of Liverpool following their FA Cup Final defeat by Arsenal at Wembley, joined at his side by Tommy Smith. Thousands of people lined the streets to welcome their heroes back fro
Liverpool manager Bill Shankly pictured on his side’s homecoming to the city of Liverpool following their FA Cup Final defeat by Arsenal at Wembley, joined at his side by Tommy Smith. Thousands of people lined the streets to welcome their heroes back fro
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