Liverpool fans split on Riccardo Calafiori transfer after Euro 2024 performances

Liverpool is likely to be active in the transfer market this summer, and one area that is almost certain to be strengthened is defense following Joel Matip's exit at the end of his contract.

The Liverpool cult hero didn't get the farewell he deserved due to an ACL injury he suffered against Fulham in December keeping him out for the remainder of the season. Matip's eight-year association with Liverpool has now come to an end, and Arne Slot will want to replace him over the coming weeks.

One of those names on the list is Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori. The 22-year-old had a breakout season with Bologna in 2023-24, helping the Rossoblu make history and qualify for the Champions League for the first time

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Since then, the central defender has starred for Italy at Euro 2024 and has won plaudits for performances at the back, despite scoring an own goal in Italy's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the second group stage game.

Calafiori has been linked with a host of clubs in Italy and abroad, and Liverpool is one of the teams being linked with a move for the defender. According to The Athletic, Liverpool is interested in signing the 22-year-old, but will be primed for a battle with other clubs.

However, fan reaction to Calafiori among the Reds' support has been mixed. During italy's game against Croatia in Leipzig, fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to let their feelings known about the potential of the player joining Liverpool.

"Seen more than enough of Calafiori. Get it done Mr. Hughes," wrote one user. Another added: "Liverpool need that Calafiori, solid defender. Imagine him alongside VVD [Virgil van Dijk]."

Yet some Liverpool fans aren't convinced about Calafiori moving to Anfield next season, with some unimpressed with what they've seen. "I'm sorry for wanting Calafiori at liverpool, he has zero positional awareness. Guess that's why he gets moved to left back," one disgruntled fan posted.

This view was backed up by Michael Smith, who said: "I've seen enough of Calafiori in two games to be of the opinion that he isn't a Premier League CB. Full of mistakes, he hasn't been good on the ball, always out vacates his position. I hope we don't bring him to Liverpool. If we do, I hope I'm massively wrong."

No deal for Calafiori will happen until after the Euros with Italy through to the knockout stages, but it appears feelings are mixed on the player signing for Liverpool this summer.

Liverpool.com says: Calafiori is an immense talent, but fans need to understand he's still very young, and is coming off the back of his breakout season with Bologna. He's not the perfect defender yet, but his upside is enormous, and he'll only get better in the coming seasons. It may be a risk worth taking.