Liverpool eye £39m deal to end right-back crisis

Q: Who is Marco Palestra and what is his current club situation?

Marco Palestra is a 21-year-old Italian right-back on loan at Cagliari from Atalanta, where he developed through their academy.

Q: How much is Liverpool willing to pay for Marco Palestra?

Liverpool is eyeing a £39 million deal to secure Marco Palestra as a solution to their right-back crisis.

Q: What position does Marco Palestra play and what is his playing style?

Marco Palestra plays as a right-back/wing-back and is known for his attack-minded style, having transitioned from a central midfielder and winger.

Liverpool eye £39m deal to end right-back crisis

Marco Palestra: Situation summary

Marco Palestra is a 21-year-old Italian right-back/wing-back currently starring for Cagliari on loan from Atalanta, having come through La Dea’s academy after early spells with GS Assago and Inter.

Originally a central midfielder then winger, he has settled as an attack-minded full-back, which underpins his profile as a modern wide defender.

His game is built on progressive carries, 1v1 ability and two-footedness, comfortable receiving wide, combining short, and then driving up the flank before delivering improving crosses.

He ranks extremely high for progressive carries and take-ons, and can go outside or inside, making him difficult to read in the final third.

Tactically, he is disciplined in a back four or wing-back system, reading spacing well and tracking runners reliably rather than defending on chaos.

Contract-wise, Palestra is on loan at Cagliari until June 2026, with Atalanta holding his rights and valuing him around €35–40m amid serious interest from Juventus, Roma, Inter and Premier League sides like Arsenal.

Barring a renewal and reintegration at Atalanta, a big-club Serie A move currently looks his most likely next step.

Liverpool want £39m deal for Palestra

According to a report in TEAMtalk Liverpool are one of a clutch of clubs interested in adding Palestra as a long-term option in the summer transfer window.

“Liverpool are in the mix to sign him this summer,” the report reads.

“The Bergamo club value their academy product at a minimum of €45 million (£39.2m / $52m), viewing him as a potential long-term asset or a high-value sale.

“Liverpool are tracking him closely, seeing the versatile full-back as both squad depth and a long-term solution.”

This has been a breakout season for Palestra - who has made 29 Serie A starts for his loan club.

The report mentions Newcastle, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace as potentially interested teams in the Premier League.

Serie A sides Inter Milan and Juventus are also thought to be keen - along with AC Milan, Napoli, Roma and Spanish side Barcelona.

So - who is shaping up to be the next big sale from Atalanta.