Como have completed the signing of midfielder Mattia Liberali from Serie B side Catanzaro, securing the Italy Under-20 international on a contract that runs until June 2031. The club triggered the teenager’s €6m release clause to finalise the transfer.
The 19-year-old rejected the opportunity to rejoin his former club Milan, instead committing to a six-year deal with Cesc Fabregas’s side. The Rossoneri had hoped to lure Liberali back to San Siro for a reduced fee of €3m—reflecting the 50 per cent sell-on clause they retained when he departed the academy last summer—but the player opted for a fresh start.
Liberali left Milan a year ago amid frustration over the lack of a clear path to the senior squad. He joined Catanzaro effectively as a free agent, though the Rossoneri maintained rights to half of any future transfer fee. During his sole season in Serie B, the creative midfielder contributed four goals and four assists across 30 appearances.
Despite missing out on the player’s return, Milan will recoup €3m from the deal due to the sell-on agreement. The arrangement saw Como pay the full release clause to Catanzaro, with half diverted to Liberali’s former club.
Speaking to the club website, Liberali expressed his enthusiasm for the move. “It’s a real thrill to be able to start my journey at Como,” he said. “I’m really keen to develop and improve, and I’ve found we share a lot of common ground with the club in this regard. I’ve also spoken to the manager, and I think the playing philosophy is perfect for me. I can’t wait to take to the pitch at the Sinigaglia and meet the fans.”
Como coach Cesc Fabregas welcomed the arrival, highlighting Liberali’s technical qualities. “Mattia is a creative player with excellent technical ability and confidence in possession,” Fabregas told the club website. “He can operate in tight spaces, create chances and contribute in the final third. We believe his qualities fit our style and look forward to helping him continue his development.”
The long-term deal reflects Como’s confidence in Liberali’s potential to make an immediate impact while continuing his progression at senior level. The teenager has represented Italy at various youth levels throughout his career.