Target acquired: Liverpool will go for ideal France defender deal

Liverpool are set for a shakeup in defence during the coming off-season.

The process to renew the centre-back area began last summer with the acquisition of Giovanni Leoni from Parma for £26m. Further additions were secured in January with deals put in place for both Jeremy Jacquet and Ifeanyi Ndukwe to arrive in summer.

And Mor Talla Ndiaye also came on board for Rob Page’s under-21s.

But with Ibrahima Konate set to walk out the door for free at the end of the current campaign there is going to be a significant experience gap at the back.

Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez - meanwhile - are due to leave in 2027 but it would be no surprise to see the club entertain offers for Gomez in the summer.

Capable of playing right-back or centre-back the 28-year-old is a useful squad member when fit. If he leaves a versatile performer could be of use - and it looks like a target has been identified who fits the bill in Serie A.

Liverpool want deal for Pierre Kalulu

Pierre Kalulu was an unheralded signing for Juventus in 2024 - coming over from AC Milan on a modest fee. The Lyon academy graduate however has elbowed his way into the Juve team - arguably become a bright spark in a poor season for the Bianconeri.

The 25-year-old’s form has been so good at right-back and centre-back - with occasional outings in midfield - that English clubs Liverpool and Manchester United are now on his trail.

“His impact and consistency on the pitch have convinced some Premier League teams to keep a close eye on him, according to information reported by Il Giornale. Among these are Liverpool and Manchester,” a report on Tutto Mercato Web reads.

Kalulu is under contract in Turin until 2029 and decision-makers at the Italian club are now preparing a bumper renewal to ward off interest.

Can Ekitike and Konate convince Kalulu?

“The Bianconeri are reportedly considering a significant renewal proposal, both in terms of duration and value: specifically, a new contract expiring in 2030 and a salary increase to €3.5 million net,” the report suggests.

Kalulu, who won the Serie A title with Milan in 2021/22, is now a fully-fledged member of the France national team set-up.

He is therefore a teammate of Hugo Ekitike and Ibrahima Konate - so let’s hope those two Reds can do some recruitment for us during the current international window.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Liverpool get GREEN light to sign Nico Schlotterbeck

👉🏻 Centre-back confirms he's ready to join Liverpool

👉🏻 Fabrizio Romano CONFIRMS belief £52m Liverpool target will agree move