Michele Di Gregorio has rejected the chance to join Liverpool for Juventus
The agent of Juventus’ recent recruit, Michele Di Gregorio, has confirmed there were talks with Liverpool earlier this summer.
Michele Di Gregorio played a key role in AC Monza’s promotion to Serie A two summers ago. The Italian shot-stopper’s stock has risen across Europe following his impressive displays for AC Monza in Serie A. Now rated as one of the best in his position in Italy, he has taken the next step in his career by joining Juventus on an initial loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Upon signing for Juventus, Di Gregorio’s agent Carlo Belloni, admitted that talks were held with Liverpool but they decided to reject the move in favour of staying in Italy.
Michele Di Gregorio's agent Carlo Belloni:
— Anfield Sector (@AnfieldSector) July 5, 2024
“There were talks with Liverpool, and obviously we were very pleased to hear from them. However, we had already given our word [to Juventus]” pic.twitter.com/Ov5zTmBNUH
“Yes, there were talks with Liverpool and obviously we were very pleased,” Carlo Belloni told TV Play. “But we had given our word and we had clear ideas after Monza.”
“This is an important achievement and Juve are a top club, so not all players or agents can see this happen.
“Di Gregorio feels ready to replace (Wojciech) Szczesny, because he is in the best period of his career, was named MVP for his position in Serie A last season and is prepared for this challenge.”
Di Gregorio’s agent stating Liverpool held talks over a potential move suggests the club is indeed searching for a new goalkeeper. Adrian has rejected a contract extension the club tabled as he wants to return to his boyhood club Real Betis. There have been doubts surrounding Caoimhin Kelleher’s future at Anfield as he expressed his ambitions to become a No.1—either at Liverpool or elsewhere.
However, given Alisson Becker is the undisputed No.1 for the Reds, Kelleher may find it difficult to continue his career with us. The Republic of Ireland international appears to be willing to end the chapter with his boyhood club and join a side that will allow him to play regularly amid links with Celtic.
Liverpool perhaps viewed Di Gregorio as a potential replacement for Kelleher, eyeing him as a deputy to Alisson. Ideally at Liverpool, the Italy international would have played in the cup competitions and provided competition for our Brazilian No.1. And if Alisson does depart, the 27-year-old would have then got the chance to become our club’s first-choice gloveman.
However, considering Juventus offered Di Gregorio the chance to become their immediate No.1 under new boss Thiago Motta, the player and his agent had an easy choice.