Liverpool are expected to be a busy club this transfer window as they have the funds to sign players following the sale of Philippe Coutinho. Jürgen Klopp should look to improve more than a couple of areas in the squad and has been linked with some exciting stars in recent weeks.
One rumour that just refuses to go away is Liverpool’s supposed interest in AS Roma left-back Emerson Palmieri.
Liverpool fight Chelsea for Palmieri
According to reports from Italy, AS Roma are looking to offload the former Brazil U17 international this month, to balance their books and are ready to listen to offers close to the £22m mark. Antonio Conte’s Chelsea are reportedly his preferred destination but Liverpool have been linked with a move for him for more than a month now.
A recent story from La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Liverpool are favourites to land the 23-year old before the end of this month.
Who is Palmieri?
A product of the academy at Santos, Palmieri moved to Italy for the first time with Palermo back in 2015 and after nine impressive Serie A appearances, Italian giants AS Roma decided to bring him to the Italian capital in 2015. He managed to cement a place in the first team rather quickly but has fallen out of favour under Eusebio Di Francesco, the current manager of the club.
After 24 league starts last season, he has failed to make a single start in the current campaign and has made his only start for his side in the Copa Italia.
Known for his gifted technique, strength in hold up play and ability to create chances in the final third, the 23-year old likes to impose himself in the final third, taking his man on and crossing with precision, consistently. He can dribble past opponents on the flank with ease but is also adept at cutting in and testing the keeper and is the perfect modern-day full-back.
He is strong in the air and hardly ever loses a duel at the back and is more than capable of shutting shop at the back when needed. At his age, he is still learning but has great confidence in his abilities and is surely one of the most exciting full-backs in Europe at the moment.
Liverpool or Chelsea?
It is understood that the Blues have launched a £20m bid for his services this week but Liverpool’s left-back problems might come to an end if they are able to land this Roma man. He is tailor-made for the English game, has all the attribute to make him a success in England and both Antonio Conte and Jürgen Klopp, will love to have him in their side.
The Reds, however, have settled in with Andrew Robertson, who is yet to put a foot wrong in his career at Anfield and Alberto Moreno, who seems to have turned a corner this season. Though Palmieri is a slightly better option than both those names, he is no longer a real necessity at Anfield at the moment.
But the fact that Liverpool are still linked with him shows that Klopp is still looking for a long-term option at left-back and Emerson Palmieri can easily be his answer.
