Report: Hughes Looking to Exploit Serie A to Avoid “Premier League Premium” | OneFootball

Liverpool Exploring Moves for Nicolo Rovella and Mateo Retegui

Liverpool’s recruitment plans for the summer window are beginning to take shape, with two Italy internationals now under serious consideration. Sources indicate that sporting director Richard Hughes is once again turning to Serie A as he looks to bolster the squad ahead of a new campaign under Arne Slot.

Italian Market Offers Fresh Opportunities

Despite a mixed start to his tenure, Hughes is undeterred in his belief that Serie A remains a fertile ground for value-driven transfers. His previous move for Federico Chiesa has yet to bear fruit — the winger has clocked just 30 minutes in the Premier League this term and is expected to exit Anfield after a single season.

Nevertheless, Hughes’ long-standing ties to the Italian footballing landscape, stemming back to his own development years, continue to influence his recruitment philosophy.

It is understood that Hughes is now spearheading interest in Nicolo Rovella, the Lazio midfielder who has impressed in a deep-lying role. Rovella is seen as a strategic alternative to Martin Zubimendi, whom Liverpool courted last summer but ultimately missed out on. With Zubimendi now reportedly on the verge of joining Arsenal, attention has turned decisively toward Rovella.

Nicolo Rovella Seen as Key Midfield Option

Rovella’s profile fits the mould Liverpool are targeting — tactically astute, technically secure, and capable of anchoring play under pressure. Though only 22, he has demonstrated maturity and control that appeals to Liverpool’s data-led recruitment model.

Anfield Watch understands reports from Italy linking Rovella with Liverpool are accurate. The midfielder has quietly emerged as one of Serie A’s more consistent performers in his position, and Hughes is thought to be keen to act swiftly, particularly with midfield depth remaining a concern for Slot’s evolving system.

Mateo Retegui Gains Momentum as Forward Target

The other name on Liverpool’s radar is Mateo Retegui, who has enjoyed a breakout season at Genoa. The Argentine-born Italy international has registered 24 goals and five assists in 32 Serie A appearances — a stark rise from the seven goals he notched the previous year.

Liverpool’s forward line is set for changes this summer, with Darwin Nunez expected to move on. While links to Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike persist, Retegui’s form and physical profile have placed him firmly in contention.

“This has been something of a breakout season for Retegui, who only managed seven league goals at Genoa last season. Still, Liverpool feel this has been reflective of his overall quality.”

With the Reds seeking a consistent goal threat to complement or potentially lead the attack, Retegui’s emergence has arrived at an opportune moment.

Strategic Shift Under Richard Hughes

Liverpool’s intent to revisit the Italian market reflects Hughes’ conviction that the club can unearth high-calibre players outside the Premier League premium. While Chiesa’s stint has not panned out, the pursuit of Rovella and Retegui signals that the Anfield hierarchy is willing to trust in Hughes’ long-term vision.

Both players offer upside: Rovella, a metronomic midfielder with room to grow; Retegui, a striker hitting his peak with confidence and form. Whether either arrives on Merseyside remains to be seen, but both are very much on the shortlist — and talks are ongoing.

Mateo Retegui: A Breakout Striker With Sharp Attacking Numbers

Mateo Retegui’s radar chart for the past 365 days — covering 2,877 minutes — paints the picture of a clinical, high-impact forward thriving in front of goal. The Genoa striker stands out particularly for his non-penalty goals (94th percentile) and non-penalty expected goals (npxG) at 86th percentile. This reinforces his reputation as a striker who consistently gets into high-quality scoring positions — and converts.

His xG+xAG (expected goals + expected assisted goals) also impresses at 82nd percentile, reflecting both his own finishing and his involvement in attacking build-up. While not known for his creative passing, Retegui is well above average in shot-creating actions (76th percentile), which bodes well for a system like Liverpool’s that values pressing and quick transitions.

However, there are notable dips in possession-based metrics. His pass completion sits at just 55th percentile, with progressive passes and carries also in the lower half. This suggests he’s more of a penalty-box striker than a facilitator or link-man — an important distinction when assessing fit in a fluid frontline.

Defensively, Retegui is serviceable, boasting 50th percentile for aerial duels and 52nd for tackles plus interceptions, suggesting he contributes in pressing situations.

In summary, Retegui offers a goalscoring profile that would appeal to Liverpool in a post-Nunez era: direct, instinctive, and built for exploiting chances — even if he isn’t the most polished in possession phases.

Nicolò Rovella: A Possession Maestro with Defensive Tenacity

Nicolò Rovella’s 365-day radar across 3,110 minutes showcases a deep-lying midfielder who blends precision passing with an aggressive defensive edge — a rare and valuable combination. His standout possession metrics include passes attempted (91st percentile), pass completion (89th), and touches (92nd), all of which highlight his ability to dictate tempo and maintain control in midfield.

What makes Rovella particularly intriguing is his balanced contribution to both phases of play. Offensively, he scores highly in expected assisted goals (xAG) at 79th percentile and shows involvement in shot-creating actions (62nd). While his non-penalty goals remain modest (14th percentile), that’s expected for a player typically deployed in a deeper role.

Where Rovella truly excels is defensively. He ranks in the 94th percentile for blocks and boasts impressive numbers for tackles plus interceptions (55th) and dribblers tackled (57th). These figures reflect his ability to break up play, plug gaps, and read opposition movements effectively.

His lower rating in aerial duels (12th percentile) suggests he’s less dominant in physical contests, but his positional intelligence often mitigates that limitation. Rovella also struggles somewhat with progressive carrying and take-ons, but Liverpool would likely deploy him in a system where quick ball movement is prioritised over individual progression.

All told, Rovella’s profile suits a team seeking a midfielder capable of anchoring possession while contributing defensively. His skill set aligns well with Liverpool’s evolving needs under Arne Slot — particularly if they pivot toward a more methodical midfield structure.