Liverpool & Man United Eye £27m Juventus Defender Pierre Kalulu

Liverpool and Manchester United target Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu in £27m deal

Liverpool and Manchester United are both interested in signing Juventus centre-back Pierre Kalulu, according to journalist Ekrem Konur. The 26-year-old is valued at £27 million on Transfermarkt, and a move could materialise in 2027 as both Premier League clubs prioritise defensive reinforcements.

Player: Pierre Kalulu, centre-back, Juventus
Valuation: £27 million (Transfermarkt)
Interested clubs: Liverpool and Manchester United
Source: Journalist Ekrem Konur
Potential move: 2027
Juventus context: Kalulu alongside Gleison Bremer has been one of the Bianconeri's best defenders in recent seasons

Why Liverpool and Manchester United want Kalulu

Both Liverpool and Manchester United have not made promising starts to the Premier League season but were victorious in their Champions League openers. According to Ekrem Konur, defensive signings are expected to be a key priority for both English giants in 2027, and they are interested in Juventus centre-back Pierre Kalulu.

Kalulu, alongside Gleison Bremer, has been one of the Bianconeri's best defenders in recent seasons. However, Juventus' lack of success in recent years means the Frenchman could consider his future at the club, especially if there is interest from the Premier League. On Transfermarkt, Kalulu's valuation stands at £27 million, and for a player of his calibre and quality, both Manchester United and Liverpool would see tremendous value in his acquisition from Juventus next year.

Liverpool likely to win Kalulu race ahead of Manchester United

Manchester United require defensive reinforcements but are likely to make a left-back signing their primary agenda for 2027 with Luke Shaw past his 30s and there being massive room for improvement in the role. That is likely to mean that their interest in Pierre Kalulu is nascent and as a result, the 26-year-old might not be a top priority, therefore opening the door for Liverpool to emerge as clear favourites to complete a deal for him.

Kalulu is quick, excels in one-on-one defending and is comfortable playing the ball out from the back. His strong anticipation and tackling make him a complete defender, who is also able to play as a right back if required. Considering Virgil van Dijk's age and Jeremie Frimpong's underwhelming impact at right back, Liverpool would believe they could fix two issues with one signing at a very reasonable price and as a result, a transfer for Kalulu could be seriously pondered upon.

Tactical analysis: How Kalulu would fit at Liverpool or Manchester United

Pierre Kalulu is a modern defender whose profile suits both clubs' needs. At Liverpool, the ageing Virgil van Dijk and the struggles of Jeremie Frimpong at right-back have exposed defensive frailties. Kalulu's pace and one-on-one ability would allow him to play as a right-sided centre-back or cover at right-back, offering tactical flexibility. His comfort in possession aligns with Liverpool's build-up play, potentially solving two problem positions with a single £27m outlay.

For Manchester United, the priority appears to be a left-back, with Luke Shaw now in his 30s and the club seeking improvement in that area. Kalulu can operate as a right-back but is primarily a centre-back, so he may not be the ideal solution for their left-sided defensive issues. This makes their interest less advanced, leaving the door open for Liverpool to secure his signature.

Juventus may be reluctant to sell given Kalulu's importance alongside Gleison Bremer, but the player's ambition to play in the Premier League could force their hand. At £27m, he represents excellent value in a market where elite defenders command far higher fees. Both clubs will monitor his situation closely, but Liverpool's need for a versatile defender who can cover two positions gives them a distinct advantage.

Talking points

Should Liverpool prioritise a centre-back or a right-back in 2027, and can Kalulu genuinely solve both issues?
Is £27m a fair price for Kalulu, or does his injury record make him a risky signing?
Manchester United's focus on a left-back could see them miss out on a quality defender – is that a mistake?
Juventus' recent lack of success might push Kalulu out, but can they afford to lose another key defender?

What happens next

Both Liverpool and Manchester United will continue to assess their defensive options ahead of the 2027 transfer windows. Kalulu's performances for Juventus in the Champions League and Serie A will be monitored, and any dip in form or further Juventus struggles could accelerate a move. Liverpool, in particular, may step up their interest if their defensive issues persist, with a £27m deal seen as excellent value. The coming months will reveal whether Manchester United's left-back priority rules them out of the race.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Pierre Kalulu and which clubs want to sign him?

Pierre Kalulu is a 26-year-old Juventus centre-back. Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in signing him, according to journalist Ekrem Konur.

How much would Pierre Kalulu cost?

Kalulu is valued at £27 million on Transfermarkt, which both Liverpool and Manchester United would consider tremendous value.

Which club is favourite to sign Pierre Kalulu?

Liverpool are likely to win the race ahead of Manchester United, as United's primary defensive priority is a left-back, making their interest in Kalulu nascent.