Liverpool Enquired About £27m-Rated Aleksandar Stankovic but Opted Against Summer Deal

Liverpool reportedly made contact to sign Inter Milan midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic during the summer transfer window, according to TEAMtalk. Despite holding talks, the Reds decided not to pursue a deal and remain keen on the Serbian international for next year.

  • Player: Aleksandar Stankovic, 21, midfielder
  • Current club: Inter Milan
  • Valuation: £27m (Transfermarkt)
  • Contract: Until 2031
  • Status: Liverpool enquired but did not buy; keen for next year
  • Competition: Manchester United and Tottenham also interested earlier

Deal details

Liverpool's contact with Inter Milan regarding Stankovic occurred during negotiations over Curtis Jones, whom the Italian club eventually signed. Despite selling the Englishman to Inter, Liverpool chose not to buy Stankovic. The Reds are happy with their current midfield options and focused on upgrading the flanks this summer following Mohamed Salah's departure as a free agent.

Stankovic is valued at around £27m by Transfermarkt and has a contract until 2031. Inter, the Italian champions, are under no pressure to sell.

Analysis: Why Liverpool's midfield plans shifted

Liverpool's decision to enquire about Aleksandar Stankovic while negotiating the sale of Curtis Jones shows they were considering a like-for-like replacement. Stankovic, a 6ft 2in right-footed midfielder, can cover defensive midfield and box-to-box roles—precisely the profile Jones filled. However, the Reds opted to prioritise other areas.

With Mohamed Salah leaving as a free agent, Liverpool's attack needed reinforcement on the flanks. The midfield, already stocked with options, was deemed sufficiently strong. That calculus could change next year: Stankovic's development at Club Brugge—where he contributed 12 goal contributions in 49 appearances across all competitions and helped win the Belgian Pro League—has convinced Inter to bring him back. His performances also earned him a place in the Serbian national team.

Stankovic's skill set—threading passes between the lines, taking set-pieces, and defensive solidity—would suit the Premier League. At 21, he is far from his prime, making a £27m fee appear reasonable in today's market. But Inter's stance is firm: they are not rushing to sell, and his contract until 2031 gives them leverage. Liverpool's interest next year would likely require a more concrete approach, and competition could resurface—Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were interested this summer before moving on to other targets.

Talking points

  • Should Liverpool have pushed harder for Stankovic this summer instead of waiting? Their midfield depth looks strong now, but injuries could expose a lack of defensive cover.
  • At £27m, Stankovic represents a potential bargain if he continues to develop. Inter's reluctance to sell suggests they rate him highly—could the price rise next year?
  • Manchester United and Tottenham passed on him this summer; if Liverpool return, will the competition drive up the fee or force a quicker decision?
  • Does Stankovic's profile—a tall, right-footed box-to-box midfielder—fit Arne Slot's system better than current options? His set-piece ability is an added bonus.

What happens next

Liverpool will monitor Stankovic's progress at Inter during the 2026/27 season. If he breaks into the first team and impresses, the Reds could make a concrete approach next summer. However, Inter's strong negotiating position and the player's long contract mean any deal would likely require a significant fee. Liverpool's focus remains on the current campaign, where their midfield options will be tested across multiple competitions.

Frequently asked questions

Did Liverpool sign Aleksandar Stankovic?

No, Liverpool made contact to sign Stankovic this summer but decided not to buy him. They remain keen on a future move.

How much is Aleksandar Stankovic worth?

He is valued at around £27m by Transfermarkt and has a contract with Inter until 2031.

Which other clubs were interested in Stankovic?

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were interested in signing him this summer before shifting focus to other targets.

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