Pierre Kalulu answering questions at a press conference

Pierre KaluluJuventus on YouTube

Man United 'show interest' in Pierre Kalulu as race takes new twist

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

Published on:

18 Oct 2026, 8:00 am

Juventus are looking to fend off interest from Liverpool and Manchester United for defender Pierre Kalulu, sources have told Football Insider.

The French defender has emerged as a transfer target for the Merseyside club over the last few weeks as concerns at right-back have been mounting.

While he is typically a central defender, the 26-year-old's versatility to play out wide in defence at both right-back and wing-back makes him an appealing option.

However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool are not the only Premier League side in the race.

The defender's stock is high at the Turin club, with Juventus reluctant to allow him to leave.

With steps already been put in motion to try to fend off that interest.

The two other clubs in Pierre Kalulu race after Liverpool and Man United

The race to sign Kalulu could be an interesting one to keep an eye on in the coming months.

The 36-time Serie A champions will be in no rush to sell the French defender, seeing as his contract currently runs for another three years.

However, interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, as well as two other named clubs could see the 26-year-old exit.

But Juventus are hoping to avoid that and have entered talks already to discuss new terms with Kalulu.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I shared: "The Italian club are very keen to try and keep him at the club, and I think they are in talks about extending his current contract as well.

"He’s still got three years to run on his deal at the minute until the summer of 2029, but Juventus are aware of this growing interest from the likes of Liverpool, PSG, I think Manchester City and Man United have all shown interest in him as well, so it’ll be a hard deal to do for Liverpool.

"Juventus are trying to keep hold of Kalulu, and I think there’ll be a lot of interest from other clubs as well, which would make it a real hard race to win for Liverpool and any other club."

Sources: Liverpool told £60m Jules Kounde offer could be accepted

How Virgil van Dijk can help Liverpool in Kalulu race

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk may be able to play an influential role in signing Kalulu.

Back in 2022, in an interview with Gazzetta Dello Sport, the Frenchman admitted van Dijk was an inspiration.

"I don't have any idols, but I take inspiration from Thiago Silva, Virgil van Dijk, Kalidou Koulibaly: I try to take the best from each one and put it into practice," he stated.

If Liverpool do make a move in January, the chance to play alongside the Dutchman could be tempting.

Especially with van Dijk on course to leave Liverpool at the end of this current season.

Juventus Football Club S.p.A.