Liverpool are interested in securing the services of AS Roma full-back, Emerson Palmieri. According to latest sources, the Reds have opened negotiations with the Italian club over a potential transfer of their £22m-rated left-back at the end of the season. The Merseysiders were linked with a move last summer but had to pull out after the Brazilian suffered a serious knee injury with the club opting for Andrew Robertson instead. The Daily Mirror has claimed that Seria A giants Inter Milan are also monitoring the AS Roma defender and has joined Liverpool in the race for his signature.
In an interview recently, Emerson Palmieri addressed rumours linking him with a move away from Italy. He said, “I have heard that clubs such as Inter Milan and Liverpool are seeking to sign me. But I am under contract with Roma. I am flattered by stories such as these. However, I want to stay here in Rome. I am happy here. Roma have a great squad, with everyone good enough to start matches. There are so many close-fought games, and it is vital for us to have a well-stocked squad.”
His comments would come as a blow for Liverpool and Inter Milan. Jurgen Klopp is yet to address the defensive shortcomings at left-back with Alberto Moreno’s inconsistency and Andrew Robertson’s inexperience. However, things change quickly in football and a possible deal next summer may not be too far-fetched.
Palmieri has come through the youth ranks of his Brazilain hometown club, Santos before joining Roma in 2015. The defender has enjoyed a breakthrough year in the 2016/17 campaign when he made 36 appearances for AS Roma in all competitions.
With 13 games gone, AS Roma are currently fourth in the Serie A standings just four points behind league leaders, Napoli with a game in hand. The Italian news outlet, Corriere dello Sport suggests that the Reds of Merseyside have already held preliminary discussions with the Italian club about a potential deal for the 23-year-old and have been given assurances over his fitness. The Brazilian has just made a single appearance for his club following a knee injury. However, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp reckon that the defender will make a full recovery ahead of a possible swoop next summer.
Palmieri is under contract at AS Roma until 2021 and Team Talk claims that there’s a £22m buyout clause in his contract but the Reds are trying to lower the fee citing concerns about his long-term fitness. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool make an official bid for him next summer.
But do you think buying a left-back is a priority for Liverpool at the moment?
