- Newcastle United monitor Atalanta loanee
- Liverpool also set their sights on Italian defender
- Marco Palestra would cost around £40 million this summer
Newcastle United are set to be short of options at right-back next season, with Kieran Trippier recently announcing that he would depart at the end of his contract. Eddie Howe’s side have already begun looking for a suitable replacement, which has led them to a Serie A ace.
TEAMtalk reports that Marco Palestra is a name being considered by the Magpies, though Liverpool are in the race to sign him as well.
The 21-year-old has been a key player for Cagliari this season, with the outfit sitting just above the relegation zone. The defender is on loan from fellow Italian club Atalanta, who are looking to receive £40 million if he is to leave.
Who is Marco Palestra?
Palestra is the next in a line of successful players from the Atalanta academy, which has helped develop the likes of Giorgio Scalvini and Alessandro Bastoni.
La Dea have always been active in the loan market, which allows them continue players’ growth before they step into the first team or make the move away. Cristian Romero is an example of this, who was on loan at Spurs just after joining from Juventus.
Raffaele Palladino’s side currently operates a back three, with flying wing-backs, and former Chelsea defender Davide Zappacosta is the first choice as the right wing-back.
Cagliari set up in a similar fashion under Fabio Pisacane, which made it a clear choice for the 21-year-old to pick up valuable experience there.
He made nine appearances for his parent club in the 2024/25 campaign, but this year is his full breakthrough season. Palestra has made 30 Serie A appearances with five goal contributions to his name, but it’s not his attacking numbers that have been standout.
His defensive positioning and composure have seen him likened to Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori for his methodical defending. It points to a player who could excel in the Premier League.
Newcastle United defence shakeup
Trippier’s departure will be a sad one to see for the Toon Army, with the veteran having led the way for the club’s climb up the league, and eventually helped them lift a trophy.
A reliable option will be required, and with Tino Livramento’s injury problems and links away from Tyneside, business must be done quickly.
Lewis Hall’s position at the club seems safe, as they look to lock him down to a new deal, while Malick Thiaw has impressed since moving from AC Milan.
Palestra offers a similar profile to Trippier, as someone who can work on either side of the ball, and while the Magpies face pressure from Liverpool, he could be the first piece of the puzzle as they look to rectify a shattered backline.
In other news, Newcastle United fans slammed by Roy Hodgson for actions after Sunderland defeat.
