Liverpool and Manchester United are preparing to rekindle their interest in Juventus centre-back Pierre Kalulu, with both Premier League sides ready to strike when the January transfer window opens. The dual English interest has triggered swift reactions at Juventus, who are now bracing for aggressive winter approaches for their versatile defender. With both suitors seeking to fortify their backlines for demanding domestic and European runs, Kalulu’s position in Turin has suddenly become a central battleground ahead of the mid-season window.
The prospective chase for Kalulu arrives alongside ongoing dialogue between Manchester United and Juventus over forward Joshua Zirkzee. The two clubs are ready to strike an agreement for the Dutchman, with talks continuing between all parties. United have already given the green light for a loan arrangement, though they’re still haggling over whether the deal will feature a permanent transfer or a mandatory purchase obligation. Zirkzee remains on standby as he awaits clarity regarding his future, acutely aware that Marcus Rashford’s impending return will constrain his game time despite additional European fixtures next season. Meanwhile, Juventus are exploring midfield targets of their own, closely monitoring Lille starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi and Bayern Munich’s Aleksandar Pavlovic, despite the German international commanding a hefty valuation amid competing interest from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
For Liverpool, pursuing defensive options comes during a wider strategic realignment as they plan for life after Mohamed Salah. Anfield hierarchy have shortlisted Juventus starlet Kenan Yildiz and Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani as potential long-term successors. Kolo Muani, currently on loan at Tottenham Hotspur where he has posted one goal and one assist in 25 Premier League appearances alongside four goals and two assists in Champions League play, is set to be available in the summer. At the same time, Liverpool have firmly shut the door on loan enquiries from both Juventus and Napoli for winger Federico Chiesa. The Reds didn’t entertain the idea of a temporary exit, keeping Chiesa embedded in their squad as neither Italian club can match Liverpool’s permanent valuation.
The transfer landscape across Europe continues to shift as other major clubs make their moves. Barcelona have already taken initial steps toward signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic on a free transfer next summer. To bolster their midfield in the interim, Juventus want to secure West Ham United’s Guido Rodriguez on loan in January before attempting ambitious summer moves for Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi or Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali. Elsewhere, Crystal Palace’s 25-year-old center-back Marc Guéhi is being monitored for a potential free transfer in the summer or a bargain January deal. In contrast, Chelsea aren’t in the race for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo and don’t intend to make major January additions, while PSG maintain interest in Jonathan David.
With the winter window fast approaching, Juventus face a delicate balance between retaining core talent and reshaping their squad. Whether Liverpool or Manchester United can successfully pry Kalulu away from Serie A will depend heavily on how these interconnected negotiations unfold in the days ahead.
