€20m defender breaks silence on potential Liverpool move | OneFootball

Italian Defender Responds to Reported Liverpool Transfer Interest

Liverpool Transfer News continues to swirl around Marco Palestra, a name that has moved quickly from scouting notes to serious discussion. The young full back has enjoyed a sharp rise over the past year, and while Anfield interest has already been tested once, the story appears far from finished.

Reports in Italy last week suggested Liverpool made a €20m approach to Atalanta during the summer window. That proposal was rejected, and Palestra instead joined Cagliari on loan, a move that has accelerated his development rather than stalled it.

Marco Palestra progress at Cagliari

At Cagliari, Palestra has become a regular feature rather than a peripheral prospect. The 20 year old has featured in 14 Serie A matches, registering three assists and delivering performances that underline why elite clubs are watching closely.

Operating primarily as a modern attacking full back, he has shown composure on the ball and an increasing understanding of defensive positioning. Those qualities were evident even in defeat during Cagliari’s 2-1 loss to Atalanta, a match loaded with personal subtext given his parent club ties.

After that game, Palestra addressed the growing attention around his future. He said, “The attention is nice, I’m just focused on doing well in the rossoblù jersey.

“We need to improve, even if we always play with an open face. I’m improving defensively, but also in counterattacking. I have to thank the coach for pushing me.”

The quotes reflect a player grounded enough to acknowledge progress while recognising the work still ahead.

Liverpool interest remains relevant

Liverpool’s interest has not disappeared, even if it has gone quiet. Under Arne Slot, who guided the club to the Premier League title in 2024/25, recruitment has leaned heavily on players who can grow within a structured tactical framework. Palestra fits that profile comfortably.

Sources in Italy suggest Premier League clubs continue to monitor his performances closely, Liverpool included. The attraction lies in versatility, age profile and upside, qualities that remain central to Liverpool transfer news planning.

Whether Liverpool return with a renewed bid will depend on both timing and price, and that is where the landscape has shifted significantly.

Transfer valuation climbs sharply

According to TuttoCagliari, via La Nuova Sardegna, Atalanta have now set a €40m valuation on Marco Palestra. That figure represents a doubling of the reported summer offer and signals a clear intention to protect a rapidly appreciating asset.

The Bergamo club are reportedly prepared to keep the defender until 2027 if that valuation is not met, a stance that strengthens their negotiating position. For Liverpool, or any Premier League suitor, that means recalibrating expectations.

A return to the table would require conviction rather than curiosity. Palestra’s development curve suggests the price may yet look reasonable in hindsight, but the next move will demand decisive thinking.