Liverpool cleared to sign £39m right‑back Marco Palestra

Richard Hughes has been given the green light to sign a £39m defender for Liverpool. The target is 21‑year‑old Marco Palestra. Liverpool finished the season outside the Champions League places. Injuries to right‑back Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong left the position unsettled. Manager Arne Slot's tactics were criticised as the team struggled. Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones were forced to share the right‑back role. Andoni Iraola will inherit the squad with the same defensive dilemma. The club's lack of cohesion contributed to the poor campaign. Marco Palestra is an Italy international on loan from Atalanta. He made 37 Serie A appearances for Atalanta and contributed five goals. His one‑on‑one defending is highlighted as a key attribute. Inter, Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid are also linked with Palestra. Atalanta would consider selling for a suitable offer and already have a replacement. The competition for his signature is high, especially after the Denzel Dumfries deal fell through.