"There was a chat" - Agent confirms £15 million rated star rejected Liverpool to join Juventus
According to Michele Di Gregorio's agent Carlo Belloni, the goalkeeper turned down a move to Liverpool in favor of joining Juventus. Di Gregorio is poised to join Thiago Motta's side and the Old Lady are reportedly paying £15 million for the Inter Milan academy product.
Di Gregorio, 26, played 34 games for Monza during the 2023-24 season, keeping 14 clean sheets. The Merseysiders were reportedly interested in the player amid reports of Caimohin Kelleher's potential departure.
His agent, however, revealed that they had already given word to Juventus and already planned a move to Bianconeri. Belloni told TV Play (via HITC):
"Yes, there was a chat with Liverpool and obviously we were very pleased. However, we had given our word and had clear ideas after Monza."
He added:
"We had no doubt about the choice after speaking with Cristiano Giuntolli. We remained faithful to Juve because it was what he wanted, what Juve wanted and Thiago Motta immediately came up with Di Gregorio's name."
Arne Slot is set to start a new era at Anfield. With Kelleher linked with a summer move away in search of first-team football, the Reds might need a back-up for Alisson. They have already missed out on a top target, as per the player's agent.
Liverpool terminate goalkeeper's loan deal ahead of pre-season
Liverpool have terminated Brazilian goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga's loan deal at Irish side St Patrick to call him back from pre-season. He joined the Irish club's athletic side on loan in January and the deal was set to run until November.
However, he has been called back five months early as the Reds don't have enough goalkeepers for pre-season. Stephen Kenny, St Patrick's manager, confirmed that Pitaluga had rejoined the Merseysiders.
Alisson is currently on international duty with Brazil and won't return soon. Vitezslav Jaros will return late as he is taking a three-week break following Czechia's elimination from Euro 2024.
Adrian has left the club as a free agent, meaning Kelleher is the only senior goalkeeper available. With Arne Slot starting his pre-season the club have called back another goalkeeper to support Kelleher, whose future is also uncertain.