Liverpool have been dealt a heavy blow in the chase for reported transfer target Domenico Berardi, who seems destined to move to Juventus at the end of the season.

Berardi‘s agent, Simone Seghedoni, confirmed the Bianconeri have a “verbal agreement” with Sassuolo for a move in June while ruling out a January move. In an interview with Calciomercato (h/t Football Italia), Seghedoni said:

Juventus have a verbal agreement with Sassuolo for June.

That’s still a long way away though, and we’re not thinking about it at the moment. Domenico will not go to Juventus in January, I can categorically rule out leaving in the next transfer window.

He will not move until June, in line with a program devised along with the club. Domenico is only thinking about continuing his growth with Sassuolo and Coach [Eusebio] Di Francesco.

Juventus agreed to sell their half of Berardi‘s rights to Sassuolo during the summer, but they maintained a buy-back clause that activates at the end of the season. Per David Wright of the Daily Express, Liverpool were planning on making their move in January, before the Bianconeri have the chance to bring him back.

It’s easy to see why the Reds would want to sneak in and steal Berardi from under Juventus‘ nose. The forward is one of the top young prospects in European football and has been putting up some absurd statistics since making his Serie A debut. Per Squawka Dave, he’s been nothing short of spectacular:

Berardi mainly plays as a right winger, but he has the versatility to play as an attacking midfielder or second striker as well. Blessed with pace, vision and the ability to finish chances, he already ranks among Italy’s top forwards.

Juventus‘ decision to let him move to Sassuolo may seem curious, but at the time, the Bianconeri had to find a solution to their co-ownership problem and wanted the 21-year-old to continue his development. Here’s what he’s been doing with the Neroverdi:

An extended stay with Sassuolo made sense, ensuring Berardi would continue seeing lots of playing time in preparation for his big move to Turin.

Per David Amoyal, a translator for Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, that move was far from a guarantee, however:

There was every reason to believe Berardi may not have been too keen on a move to Turin, as the youngster was more than happy to stay with Sassuolo in the past. But judging by these latest comments from his agent, that was all part of the plan, and his long-awaited move to Juventus will become a reality next summer.

This transfer saga is far from over, however. Just because Sassuolo say they won’t sell in January doesn’t mean the Reds can’t tempt them with a tantalising offer. The Neroverdi and Juventus have a strong relationship, and it’s highly unlikely they’d go back on their verbal agreement, but Liverpool may as well try to convince them otherwise.

 

Riccardo Saponara Rumours Persist

Manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly has his eye on another Italian prospect, as Empoli‘s attacking midfielder Riccardo Saponara continues to be mentioned as a potential transfer target, per the Independent‘s Tom Sheen.

The 23-year-old has started the 2015-16 campaign on fire, scoring four goals and adding four assists in nine Serie A matches, per WhoScored.com. Per FourFourTwo‘s Adam Digby, it’s hardly a surprise:

Saponara‘s story is an odd one. The midfielder moved from Empoli to Milan in 2013 and was widely regarded as one of Milan’s top young stars. The Rossoneri were going through a period of turmoil, however, and like most of his fellow youngsters, Saponara barely got a chance in Milan.

He moved back to Empoli on loan, but Milan made the mistake of inserting a clause into the contract, allowing Milan to make the move permanent. Per Beyond the Pitch‘s Anto, it’s a decision fans of the Rossoneri shake their head at to this day:

Saponara is a superb talent who seems ready to make his mark at a bigger club, and a move after Euro 2016 seems likely. Once again, the Reds face competition from Juventus, who are in desperate need for another attacking midfielder, per Calciomercato‘s Lorenzo Bettoni.

The Bianconeri need a replacement for Hernanes, who has been a massive flop since joining from Inter Milan. Saponara would be a perfect fit, and given Juve’s need, they’re expected to push hard for his signature next summer.

Liverpool won’t be as aggressive, as Saponara is perhaps too similar a player to Philippe Coutinho. Like the Brazilian, he needs to have the ball at his feet to be successful, and he and Coutinho may not be able to coexist in Klopp‘s counter-attacking system.

 

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