Transfer speculation: Liverpool and Barcelona interested in Italian defender
Atalanta right back Marco Palestra is presently on loan at Cagliari but has attracted the attention of Liverpool and Barcelona, while Chelsea continues to show interest in FC Cologne forward Said El Mala. Stay tuned for the latest updates on transfers and rumors from around the world.
Transfers home page | Men’s winter grades | Women’s grades
TRENDING RUMORS
– Liverpool and Barcelona are preparing to pursue Atalanta and Italy international right back Marco Palestra, who is currently on loan at Cagliari. TEAMtalk indicates that both clubs are among several teams in Europe monitoring the 21-year-old, with Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea also keeping tabs on him. Palestra may be available this summer for a fee around β¬45 million, and Liverpool, in particular, has been assessing the market for a more defensive right back.
– Chelsea continues to express interest in FC Cologne forward Said El Mala, according to Bild. The 19-year-old has netted 10 goals in 28 Bundesliga matches this season and has also been associated with Brighton, Everton, and Brentford, although his representatives have dismissed an inquiry from Newcastle. Meanwhile, the Blues are closely monitoring the situation of Al Hilal striker Darwin NΓΊΓ±ez, as reported by TEAMtalk. NΓΊΓ±ez, 26, has recently been linked with Juventus, and his representatives are actively seeking a return to Europe this summer after being unregistered in the Saudi Pro League by manager Simone Inzaghi.
– Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has turned down interest from Manchester United, according to The Daily Mirror. Reports suggest that Manchester City is now in a strong position to sign the 23-year-old in a Β£65 million deal, with club officials hopeful of securing his signature before the World Cup to prevent his transfer value from rising.
– Manchester City’s backup goalkeeper James Trafford is drawing interest from Tottenham Hotspur, as stated by The Sun. Spurs are said to be observing the 23-year-old’s situation at the Etihad Stadium, where he has served as the second-choice behind Gianluigi Donnarumma this season. Trafford is viewed as a suitable replacement for Inter Milan-linked Guglielmo Vicario, but Newcastle and Aston Villa may also show interest if he becomes available.
– Juventus is contemplating a move for Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, according to Calciomercato. Juve manager Luciano Spalletti has identified the 33-year-old as a potential ideal replacement for Michele Di Gregorio, having previously coached him during his tenure at Roma. The Bianconeri are reportedly optimistic about matching his β¬8 million-per-season salary but may negotiate to reduce the Reds’ β¬20 million asking price.
EXPERT TAKE
ESPN’s resident scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen ranked Said El Mala 37th on his list of the 39 best U21 players. Read
El Mala was a standout player after scoring four goals in four matches at the U19 European Championship for Germany in 2025. After spending the previous two seasons in Germany’s third tier, the forward has experienced a breakout season in the Bundesliga.
While his technical and physical qualities are impressive, his performance results are particularly noteworthy. Primarily operating from the left side, he can quickly accelerate into space, fend off challenges with his strength, and drive at the defense. When cutting inside onto his stronger right foot, he frequently creates opportunities for shots or crosses around the edge of the box, aided by subtle feints and rapid body movements.
At 6-foot-2, he is unusually tall for a wide player, a physical characteristic that can also assist in his defensive responsibilities, but he can outmaneuver opponents in tight situations and often relies on his quick footwork rather than solely on speed.
OTHER RUMORS
play2:48Are Inter Miami too dependent on Lionel Messi?
The “Futbol Americas” crew react to Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against Austin FC.
– VfB Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller remains on the radar of clubs in the Premier League, with Manchester United among those willing to pay his β¬40 million release clause. (Florian Plettenberg)
– Al Ittihad winger Moussa Diaby is eager for a transfer to Internazionale, while Juventus is considering a move for Al Ahli midfielder Kessie. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
– Manchester United defender Harry Maguire declined a move to MLS side Inter Miami before signing his new contract at Old Trafford. (Sun)
– Newcastle right back Kieran Trippier is interested in a transfer to a foreign club when his contract at St. James’ Park expires this summer, following the success of his previous stint at Atletico Madrid. (Football Insider)
– Manchester United intends to part ways with goalkeeper Andre Onana upon his return from his loan at Trabzonspor. (Daily Mail)
– Premier League clubs may attempt to acquire Nottingham Forest right back Neco Williams this summer. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is set to receive a significant salary increase as he approaches a new deal to remain at Anfield. (Nicolo Schira)
– Chelsea Women have initiated discussions to sign Ivory Coast international and Right to Dream Academy forward N’Sira Safi. (BBC)
