Julen Lopetegui target Riccardo Calafiori said something very interesting about West Ham in 2022. West Ham united target Riccardo Calafiori said something extremely interesting about us two years ago.
West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui is very keen to sign a top-class centre-back this summer, and the Spaniard is believed to be battling Liverpool in the race to sign the 22-year-old Italian.
Riccardo Calafiori, who is firmly on the Hammers’ radar according to the Athletic’s David Ornstein, would be a sensational addition to Lopetegui’s ranks, especially if we sign him alongside Max Kilman.
The 22-year-old is a left-footed centre-back, and he can also operate as a left-back if need be. He is exceptional when in possession of the football, and is a typical Italian defender in the sense that he’s aggressive, tenacious and reads the game with aplomb.
Calafiori joined Bologna last summer, and Thiago Motta started playing him as a centre-back, rather than a left-back – where he had operated for the majority of his fledgling career.
He really stood out in Serie A, and was one of the league’s best performers throughout the season. The Bologna ace is believed to be available for just £34 million this summer (Calcio Mercato) – an absolute steal in this day and age.
The Italian, somewhat surprisingly, is very fond indeed of West Ham.
Maybe it’s because of Paolo Di Canio’s legendary status in East London, or perhaps he just loves the fact that we’re such a well supported club situated in the heart of London, who knows?
What is very interesting though, is what he actually said about the Hammers during the World Cup out in Qatar 18 months ago, when he was with Swiss club Basel.
Back in 2022, Calafiori said it was his dream to move to the Premier League, and name-checked West Ham as a team he would like to join. The 22-year-old Italy international said, “I have two images: going back to Italy, perhaps in Rome, or my dream would be to play in the Premier League. I really like West Ham or Chelsea.”
There you have it, there is absolutely no reason for Lopetegui not to bring him to West Ham.
Not only is he a superb defender, but he’s clearly a big fan of the Hammers as well, and is available at a ridiculously good price this summer.
Riccardo Calafiori would be a sensational addition for West Ham, if Lopetegui, Tim Steidten and the Hammers board manage to get it done. There really are no excuses not to make it happen if you ask me.
