Alessandro Bastoni could be one of the biggest names on the market this summer, and Liverpool won’t want to lose out to Barcelona.
The Inter Milan star is one of the most highly regarded defenders in Europe, and one of the only players you could confidently say can eventually take Virgil van Dijk’s place at the heart of the Liverpool defence. We thought it was off the table when it emerged that Inter were readying a big contract for Bastoni, but it seems that hasn’t deterred top-level interest.
Liverpool and Barcelona have been heavily linked, with the Reds said to be readying a sizeable bid to secure the future of their back line.
Interest in Bastoni stretches back to the end of last year. He is one of the elite ball-playing centre-backs in Europe and a staunch defender. He’s the kind of player who possession-oriented managers dream of, with the technical ability of a midfielder despite his burly 6’3″ frame. That’s what has drawn in Liverpool and the Spanish giants.
Italian journalist Marco Barzaghi laid out the current Bastoni picture in a recent YouTube video. He said: “Personally, more than FC Barcelona, I’d keep an eye on Liverpool FC, who definitely have €100 million to spend and would easily put it down for Alessandro Bastoni, especially considering they’ve already made even bigger signings for players who aren’t as strong.”
Liverpool have been named as favourites to sign Alessandro Bastoni over Barcelona. Despite a sizeable outlay last summer, we know Liverpool will have cash to spend in the summer. Missing out on Champions League football could change that, but as it stands, the Reds are ready and willing to pounce for the 26-year-old.
The current Liverpool captain still has a season or two left in him at the top level. Bastoni would replace Van Dijk long-term, but there would naturally be some crossover between the old guard and the apparent future. That would likely see Van Dijk’s role change, with the left-footed Bastoni needing to take his current position.
Of course, if Xabi Alonso does take over at Liverpool, he may elect for a back three. With Ibrahima Konate, Jeremy Jacquet or Giovanni Leoni stepping in as the third centre-back in that hypothetical, what a defensive line that would be.
The roles and lineups can be figured out. What matters right now is staving off Barcelona’s interest and securing the marquee deal.
Bastoni’s blend of defensive steel and midfield-like composure makes him the ideal heir to Van Dijk’s throne. A move of this magnitude would not only reshape Liverpool’s back line for the next decade but also send a clear message across Europe: the Reds are determined to build a dynasty that can compete at the very highest level, regardless of who stands in their way.