Liverpool face a complex reconstruction of their goalkeeping department as Tottenham Hotspur reportedly attempt to hijack a move for Juventus shot-stopper Michele Di Gregorio by offering Destiny Udogie in exchange. The development coincides with mounting frustration at Anfield over Harvey Elliott’s stalled £35 million permanent transfer to Aston Villa and growing uncertainty regarding the future of midfielder Curtis Jones.
Tottenham challenge Liverpool for Di Gregorio
According to reports in Italy, Tottenham have entered the race for Di Gregorio, 26, by proposing a swap deal involving left-back Udogie. This direct challenge comes as Liverpool and Juventus were understood to be discussing a deal that could see Alisson Becker move to Turin. While Liverpool have already secured Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia for £25 million, there are internal concerns regarding the Georgian’s immediate readiness for the Premier League, leading to the pursuit of Di Gregorio as a high-level alternative or partner.
Tottenham’s intervention complicates the market for Juventus, who are weighing the value of a proven Premier League full-back against Alisson’s experience. Liverpool’s need for clarity is acute; with Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson also facing uncertain futures, the club risks a total overhaul of their core defensive unit in a single window. The pursuit of Di Gregorio was intended to provide a bridge during a transition period, yet Spurs' willingness to sacrifice Udogie has shifted the negotiation leverage back to the Serie A giants.
Elliott and Jones face Anfield exits
Internal squad management is further strained by the situation of Harvey Elliott, 21, currently on loan at Aston Villa. The deal includes a £35 million obligation to buy, but according to GiveMeSport, Unai Emery has limited the midfielder to exactly nine Premier League appearances to avoid triggering the 10-game clause. Writing for TEAMtalk, journalist Henry Winter described the scenario as a "sad waste of a year" for the former England U21 Player of the Tournament, who has effectively been frozen out of tactical plans for financial reasons.
Simultaneously, Curtis Jones is reportedly considering a departure due to frustration over playing time and positional shifts. The 23-year-old, who has seen minutes at right-back this term, is a target for Inter Milan after Liverpool blocked a €40 million approach in January. With his contract expiring in 2027 and talks currently at a standstill, the club may opt to sell the academy graduate to generate 'pure profit' for a move for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. Despite Jermaine Pennant telling TEAMtalk that Liverpool "should keep him for his versatility," the necessity of balancing books under PSR regulations makes a summer sale increasingly probable.
Liverpool must now decide whether to match Tottenham's aggressive pursuit of Di Gregorio or pivot to internal solutions as the summer window approaches.