Premier League trio Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City all watched Club Brugge defender Maxim de Cuyper and Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci during the 2-2 draw between Belgium and Italy in the UEFA Nations League last week.
- Exclusive from Graeme Bailey
The left-back spot has been a problem position for years at the Belgian national team
Rote Duivels boss Domenico Tedesco utilised winger Yannick Ferreira Carrasco and centre-back Arthur Theate on the left-hand side during this summer’s European Championships.
But, while his emergence has come too late as far as the Euros is concerned, Maxim de Cuyper’s rise to prominence could finally solve a problem that has plagued numerous Belgium bosses over the last decade.
De Cuyper earned only his fifth cap as Tedesco’s side played out an exciting 2-2 draw with Italy on Thursday night.
Belgium came from 2-0 down to claim a point, and that comeback was sparked by a stunning finish from the Club Brugge defender in front of the watchful eyes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.
TBR understands that the Premier League trio all had scouts at the Stadio Olimpico. Man City were watching Torino playmaker Samuele Ricci – Pep Guardiola’s side are looking for Rodri replacements after his season-ending knee injury – but De Cuyper is another name on the radar of the English champions.
Arsenal and Liverpool scout Maxim de Cuyper and Samuele Ricci
Interestingly, TBR have been told that both Ricci and De Cuyper also have admirers at the Emirates and Anfield.
Liverpool have been scouring the market for a new left-sided defender for some time now, with Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk now the wrong side of 30. Riccardo Calafiori has shone at Arsenal since his £33 million arrival from Bologna, but the uncertainty surrounding Jakub Kiwior’s future has The Gunners looking at 23-year-old De Cuyper.
TBR have been told that Poland stopper Kiwior could leave Arsenal as early as January.
The Club Brugge academy graduate curled home a stunning strike from the edge of the box against Italy. De Cuyper scored five times for his club in 2023/24, in addition to an exceptional 15 assists.
And while he signed a new long-term contract in the summer, Club Brugge may struggle to keep him should big-money offers arrive.
Italian publication Calciomercato say that De Cuyper, reportedly an AC Milan target too, will cost a minimum of £17 million.
Torino ace Ricci could replace Rodri at Man City
The £25 million-rated Ricci, meanwhile, may be viewed at Arsenal as a long-term replacement for compatriot Jorginho. A tempo-setting, highly-technical midfielder, Ricci also emerges as a Liverpool target after Arne Slot’s Merseyside giants missed out on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi over the summer.
“I see who (plays) in my role. One in particular; Rodri,” Ricci tells the official website of the Italian FA, idolising the man he may yet replace at Man City. “Now, he is the best of the best and I try to take inspiration from players like him.
“Before, I watched [Andrea] Pirlo a lot.”
Former Empoli starlet Ricci also has admirers at Tottenham Hotspur. Ange Postecoglou already has a host of talented young midfielders at his disposal – see Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall – but may look to bring in another amid the inconsistent performances of Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr’s recent injury problems
