Liverpool and Manchester United have both been linked with a move for Juventus centre-back Pierre Kalulu, and now a key new update has emerged.
The Reds may have signed Jeremy Jacquet permanently from Rennes and Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona this summer, but that doesn’t mean they don’t still need more defensive reinforcements.
Virgil van Dijk isn’t getting any younger, while Joe Gomez’s injury problems will never go away, so fresh faces need to be eyed up ahead of next year.
Kalulu has been linked with Liverpool and United of late, but according to reports from Italy [via The Manchester Evening News], a January switch now looks highly unlikely.
That’s because Juventus see the £42m-rated centre-back as a vital part of their plans, not wanting to part ways with him midway through the season, and eyeing a new deal instead.
Liverpool should target move for Pierre Kalulu next summer
While a January transfer now looks off the table, Liverpool shouldn’t end their interest in Kalulu, who could be a real asset for Andoni Iraola moving forward.
The Frenchman can also shine at right-back, at a time when Jeremie Frimpong needs to be improved upon, and Stefano Pioli hailed him during his time at AC Milan:
“He is a starter, he plays with strength, courage and personality. He surprised me at the beginning, but now he doesn’t surprise me anymore. His strength is to face every game with great conviction and confidence. He has physical means and important vision: for me, he is absolutely a Milan-worthy starter.”
At 26, Kalulu is at a great point in his career to be a great signing for Liverpool, possessing lots of experience but still having plenty of years left in him at the top level.
He has won three caps for France, which is no mean feat at a time when Les Bleus have so many strong centre-back options, and his versatility would be ideal for squad depth.
It may be hard to prise him away from Juve, but Liverpool should still view him as a leading target next summer, and beating United to his signature would be the icing on the cake.