Liverpool Eye £54m Inter Milan Defender Alessandro Bastoni as Van Dijk Successor

Liverpool are reportedly prioritising the signing of a centre-back in 2027, with Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni identified as a prime target. The 27-year-old is valued at £54 million on Transfermarkt and could be available for a bargain fee next summer if he fails to agree a new contract at San Siro.

  • Target: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)
  • Position: Centre-back
  • Valuation: £54 million (Transfermarkt)
  • Contract expiry: June 2028
  • Priority window: 2027
  • Reason: Long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk

Deal details

Liverpool have made signing a centre-back a high priority for 2027, according to Football Insider. Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni has been identified as a prospective addition after several impressive years with the Serie A side.

Bastoni's contract at San Siro expires in June 2028. If Inter fail to tie their captain down to a new deal, they could sell him next summer to avoid losing him for free 12 months later. The defender is valued at £54 million on Transfermarkt.

No formal offer has been made and no negotiations between the clubs have been reported. The transfer is at the rumour stage, with Liverpool's interest described as identifying the player as a target.

Why Bastoni fits Liverpool's defensive rebuild

Alessandro Bastoni would be a terrific addition to the Liverpool backline. His leadership, ability to hold the defensive shape together and all-round skillsets make him the perfect replacement for Virgil van Dijk at Anfield.

Bastoni reads the game brilliantly, makes proactive interceptions and clean tackles, whilst boasting strong aerial prowess too. In possession, he is very composed under pressure and makes accurate short and long passes to help build up from the back.

At 27, Bastoni is entering the best years of his career. Having won everything domestically with Inter, he might be open to a new challenge in the Premier League. His experience and quality would provide a significant upgrade to Liverpool's defensive depth.

Liverpool's defensive options

Liverpool have the all-important task of signing a replacement for Virgil van Dijk sooner rather than later. The captain is into his 30s and no longer playing at the level he showed a few years ago, leaving room for improvement in central defence.

Jeremy Jacquet has made a strong start to life at Anfield and it will be interesting to see how Giovanni Leoni does once he is back to full fitness. Ronald Araujo could also join permanently next year, but the Reds' depth at the back remains a concern.

The potential addition of Bastoni would address that concern and provide a long-term successor to Van Dijk. His ability to organise a defence and distribute from the back would suit Liverpool's style under their current management.

Talking points

  • Is Bastoni the right profile to replace Van Dijk, or should Liverpool target a younger defender with Premier League experience?
  • Would Inter really sell their captain for £54m, or is this just a ploy to force a new contract?
  • Can Liverpool afford to wait until 2027, or do they need defensive reinforcements sooner?
  • Does Bastoni's lack of Premier League experience make him a risk at that price?

What happens next

Inter Milan will undoubtedly begin negotiations with Bastoni over a new contract sooner rather than later. If the defender makes his mind up about trying out a new challenge, Liverpool would be in a strong position to sign him at a reasonable price next summer. The coming months will reveal whether Inter can convince their captain to stay or whether Liverpool will firm up their interest with a formal approach in 2027.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Liverpool's top centre-back target for 2027?

According to Football Insider, Liverpool have identified Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni as a prospective addition, with a centre-back signing high on their list of priorities for 2027.

How much would Alessandro Bastoni cost Liverpool?

Bastoni is valued at £54 million on Transfermarkt, but his price could be lower next summer if he enters the final year of his contract, which expires in June 2028.

Why do Liverpool want to sign a new centre-back?

Liverpool need a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk, who is into his 30s and no longer playing at the level he showed a few years ago. The Reds' depth at the back remains a concern despite the arrivals of Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni.

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