Emerson Palmieri: A possible return to Italy?
Some were quick to question the Italian management’s decision to include Emerson Palmieri in their squad for the Euro 2020. After all, Emerson was an outlet that hadn’t previously had a great season with Chelsea in England. He was much of a benchwarmer under Frank Lampard’s tutelage. When a new manager in Thomas Tuchel replaced the Englishman at the throne, Emerson didn’t get the warm embrace a player of his level should’ve received.
Last season, Emerson, playing as a second fiddle to the summer signing Ben Chilwell, earned only two apps (per Transfermarkt) in the Premier League. Such a number is far from satisfying for a player of Emerson’s ability, which is why he has been linked extensively with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer. Emerson has one year left in his Chelsea contract, with a plethora of suitors interested in signing the AS Roma full-back.
At the moment, Napoli and Juventus are reportedly the two Italian sides locking horns in an off-field battle. But, if other reports circulating widely are true, Inter and AS Roma are not far from the fray, rather keeping a close eye on the situation.
Aged 26, Emerson could be the perfect kind of player for Juventus. Signed from AS Roma for Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea, the Brazil-born full-back has past experience of playing in Italy. So, adaptability won’t be a problem. What might be a problem is Napoli’s stance on the transfer target.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia), the Partenopei are moving closer to landing the left-back. A successful Euro campaign has led to teams taking notes of Emerson’s prominence. Therefore, the situation is now more serious than before.
As is always the case, Emerson’s return to action has seen the market value of the player surge. Juventus, in a pandemic-impacted market, may not dare to jump into the scene. It would be as if getting into a duel without any guard on to protect the body. As such, Emerson might eventually return to Italy but Turin doesn’t appear to be the likely destination.