Who is Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori? Liverpool transfer target 'likes' Chelsea

Riccardo Calafiori is the latest player to be credited as a potential Liverpool transfer target.

The Reds have been linked with several potential new signings this summer but are yet to reach agreements for any deals for new players. That hasn't stopped the rumour mill from continuing to swirl, though, with speculation surfacing every day about the potential deals that could be made this summer.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool are interested in signing Calafiori from Bologna this summer. The Reds are reportedly joined by West Ham, Newcastle and Brighton in showing an interest in signing Calafiori.

It remains to be seen if the interest in Calafiori is genuine, or if it's mere speculation to generate interest in the defender's signature. Despite this uncertainty, the ECHO have taken a look at what we know about the latest player to be linked with Liverpool.

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Who is reported Liverpool target Riccardo Calafiori?

Calafiori is 22 years old and plays as a centre-back for Bologna, but is also capable of performing at left-back. The versatile defender is also part of the Italy squad that is defending their crown at Euro 2024 this summer in Germany.

Beginning his career at Roma, Calafiori has spent the majority of his playing career in Italy. He made his senior debut for the Serie A club in August 2020 when he was 18 years old.

It was in 2022 that Calafiori left Italy for the first time to complete a move to Basel. However, his stay in Switzerland would last just one year and he would return to his homeland to sign for Bologna just 12 months ago.

Reports at the time stated that Bologna agreed to pay Basel €4 million (£3.4 million) to sign Calafiori. It was also reported that Basel have a 40% sell-on clause in the deal should the defender sign for a new club.

Calafiori made 37 appearances for Bologna last season with two goals and five assists from defence. He played a key role in helping the club finish in Serie A and qualify for the Champions League next season.

What has Riccardo Calafiori said about his future?

It was two years ago that Calafiori spoke about his long-term future. Soon after leaving Roma to move to Basel, the defender revealed what his future ambitions would be for his career.

Calafiori admitted that he would like to return to Italy one day, and also named the two Premier League clubs that he would be interested in joining.

“I have two images: going back to Italy, perhaps in Rome," said Calafiori in an interview with Vocegiallorossa in 2022. "Or my dream would be to play in the Premier League. I really like West Ham or Chelsea.”