Reports have emerged that Manchester United is hunting for a summer deal for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.
United are keen on strengthening their defense in the ongoing transfer window, and the club has already put in place measures to make new signings.
It’s just over a week ago that Erik ten Hag’s side sent in their opening bid for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
The offer was turned down, and though that is the case, United are expected to come again with a second bid.
Besides, United are keeping a keen interest in Lille’s 19-year-old defensive talent, Leny Yoro.
Other defensive options in the running to join Old Trafford include Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace, Wolves’ Max Kilman, Ronald Araujo of Barcelona, Trevor Chalobah of Chelsea, Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, and Gleison Bremer of Juventus.
According to TuttoJuve, Manchester United really want to sign Riccardo Calafiori.
At 22, the Italy international was key for Bologna, helping them qualify for Champions League for the first time since 1964.
Calafiori made 30 Serie A appearances, contributing to clean sheets in half of them, while also scoring two goals.
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Aside from United, interest has been strong in the Italy international from Juventus as well as Liverpool.
TuttoJuve writes, “Riccardo Calafiori, Italy’s starter at Euro 2024 and a key player for Bologna, has attracted the attention of Manchester United”.
The defender, 22, has already confirmed himself as one of the most prospective young players in European football and is also being courted by Juventus.
Indeed, reports say Bologna wants 35 million pounds for Calafiori, but United may be willing to pay that much.
Calafiori would become an important addition to Erik ten Hag’s high squad since he was not only very good at defending but also creative, making an average of 69.35 passes per 90 minutes, putting him in the top 80% of all defenders for passing.
He also makes, on average, 3.68 progressive passes per game—only a little more than Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez, who makes 3.67.
On a defensive basis, Calafiori has 1.80 tackles, 1.92 interceptions, and 2.84 clearances per 90 minutes.
He is also a versatile player who can be deployed either on either side of central defense and has seen himself perform well as a left-back when called upon.
Not only would Calafiori provide an answer at the back for United, but he would offer depth and flexibility to the team.
