Liverpool are preparing for a significant defensive overhaul at Anfield, with Alessandro Bastoni emerging as the prime candidate to succeed Virgil van Dijk in central defence.
The Dutch skipper turned 34 this season and his current contract runs until June 2027. While van Dijk remains one of the Premier League’s most dominant centre-backs, Liverpool’s hierarchy recognises the need to plan for the post-van Dijk era and have drawn up a shortlist of elite replacements: Inter Milan’s Bastoni, Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck.
Although the club secured promising young talent last summer in Giovanni Leoni and agreed an early deal for Jeremy Jacquet to arrive at the end of the current campaign, both prospects are still developing. What Liverpool require now is an experienced, top-level leader who is already performing at the highest standard — and the 26-year-old Italy international fits that profile perfectly.
According to Barcelona-based newspaper Sport, Liverpool and Barcelona have become the two primary suitors for Bastoni. The Reds have submitted a fresh enquiry after Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Inter Milan are now seriously considering a sale of their left-footed centre-half.
Inter previously valued Bastoni in the €70-80m (£60-69m) bracket, yet the latest reports indicate they are now open to letting him depart for €50m (£43m). At that price, the deal would represent outstanding value for a player widely regarded as Serie A’s premier centre-back.
Barcelona, however, stand as formidable competition. The Catalan club view Bastoni as a key summer target and are understood to be confident of securing his signature. Sport suggests the defender himself prefers a move to the Camp Nou — a stance frequently highlighted by sources close to the La Liga side.
Yet Liverpool’s interest is far from superficial. Our sources confirmed earlier this month that the Merseysiders regard Bastoni as the “ideal” long-term successor to van Dijk. As far back as December, it was revealed that the 26-year-old is open to a major career step in his prime years, with the Premier League very much on his radar.
The situation at Anfield adds further urgency. Joe Gomez has been linked with an exit, while Ibrahima Konate is yet to sign a new contract despite Liverpool submitting their most lucrative offer to date on 6 March. Even with Leoni and Jacquet on the books, the club may still require additional central-defensive reinforcement depending on how the Bastoni, van de Ven or Schlotterbeck pursuit unfolds.
At €50m, Bastoni would not only deliver immediate quality and leadership but also represent a shrewd financial investment for a Liverpool side determined to remain competitive at the very top. The Italian superstar’s arrival would signal a bold statement of intent — and could well mark the beginning of a new defensive dynasty on Merseyside.