Liverpool and Bologna could pull off sensational summer swap deal

Bologna wants Sepp van den Berg to replace Liverpool-linked highly coveted centre-back Riccardo Calafiori providing a summer swap deal opportunity

Liverpool and Bologna have an opportunity to enter into a swap deal involving Sepp van den Berg and Riccardo Calafiori. Bologna targets Van den Berg as a replacement for Calafiori, whose departure is imminent amid interest from multiple clubs.

Van den Berg enjoyed a successful season with FSV Mainz 05, helping them survive the relegation battle in the Bundesliga. He delivered dominant performances in the loan spell as many Liverpool fans expected him to prove himself in the pre-season.

However, the Dutchman’s ill-timed and poorly-thought interview changed the circumstances after the Reds put a justified price tag on him. Van den Berg criticised Liverpool for outpricing him after Mainz showed interest in signing the 22-year-old during the summer window.

He made a contradictory statement, blaming Liverpool for overlooking his talent worthy of competing at Anfield but not worth £20m. Inadvertently, Van den Berg alienated many Liverpool fans who ardently followed his loan spell at Mainz and believed in him.

Meanwhile, Calafiori is enjoying a prolific Euro 2024 campaign with Italy which could raise his stock even further this summer. He provided a fantastic assist yesterday to help Italy clinch a 1-1 late draw against Croatia and reach last 16.

New Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has a vast knowledge of Italian football and highly rates the 22-year-old defender. The Reds want a left-footed centre-back to solve their defensive problem and eventually succeed their legendary captain, Virgil van Dijk.

Liverpool currently have Jarell Quansah, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez alongside Van Dijk as the defensive options for next season. Konate has struggled with nagging injuries that make him unreliable as a regular presence for the defensive duties.

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Meanwhile, Gomez has played in numerous positions, acting as a utility player and thriving last season. At the same time, Quansah requires game-time supervision as his senior-level career is young after making his breakthrough last season.

Daily Mail reported that Bologna wants Van Den Berg during the summer to replace Calafiori who is a prime target for many clubs. A swap deal between Liverpool and the Italian club could be mutually beneficial and it will solve their defensive conundrum in one move.