Liverpool are reportedly making serious preparations to pounce on Cagliari’s 21-year-old Italy international right-back Marco Palestra, whom the club view as a long-term replacement in his position.
The Reds face a summer of potential squad surgery no matter who occupies the Anfield dugout. Whether Arne Slot remains in charge or a new manager — such as Xabi Alonso or another candidate — arrives, fresh faces are expected. The board already appears to have identified key areas for reinforcement, with Caught Offside highlighting the recurring injury problems suffered by Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong at right-back. Palestra has emerged as the standout long-term option to solve that headache.
The 21-year-old has impressed this season with one goal and four assists, and Liverpool are seen as the strongest candidate to land him, largely thanks to their financial position. While Tottenham and Newcastle have both scouted the youngster in several matches, the Reds are regarded as the clear frontrunners in the race.
Any club hoping to sign Palestra will need to meet his €45 million (£39.3m) valuation. That figure, combined with Liverpool’s superior standing among the interested Premier League sides, positions the Merseysiders as the leading name in what could become one of the summer’s most intriguing right-back pursuits.
Liverpool round-up: Slot in danger
Beyond the transfer activity, attention remains fixed on the managerial situation. A recent report suggested that Arne Slot’s position could come under serious scrutiny if upcoming performances against Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain further expose the current decline at the club. The 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to City offered little encouragement for the Dutchman.
Social media has been unforgiving, with one fan bluntly telling Slot he should “retire” if he is sacked. Yet former player and pundit Chris Sutton believes it would be “extremely harsh” to dismiss the manager after he delivered the Premier League title in his first season.
As the season winds down, Liverpool’s dual focus on squad rebuilding and managerial stability will define their summer. The reported pursuit of Marco Palestra signals a clear intent to address defensive vulnerabilities proactively — and if the move materialises at €45 million, it could prove a shrewd investment in a young Italian talent capable of anchoring the right flank for years to come.