Liverpool are reportedly ready to break the bank to bring in a highly-rated centre back to fix their defensive problems, either in January or next summer
Liverpool are reportedly lining up a major swoop for Inter Milan centre back Alessandro Bastoni as they aim to strengthen their defensive options. The Reds have been left vulnerable at the back after Giovanni Leoni’s lengthy injury layoff and their unsuccessful chase of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, leading them to renew their focus on Bastoni as a potential solution.
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool are preparing an £88million offer for the 26-year-old, who has been praised by Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini as “one of the best defenders” in the game.
“I know Alessandro well, he is one of the strongest central defenders around and for me, he is among the best in the world,” Chiellini said in 2023. “He is a player that Italy will be able to count on for many years, he just needs to continue working and maintaining the desire to improve.”
A move for Bastoni could be attempted as soon as January, though Liverpool are reportedly willing to wait until the summer if required – a decision that might prove important considering Ibrahima Konate’s uncertain future, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Should the deal exceed £80m, Alessandro Bastoni would become the most expensive defender of all time. Harry Maguire currently holds that distinction after his £80m transfer from Leicester to Manchester United in 2019.
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Josko Gvardiol follows in second with his £77m move from RB Leipzig to Manchester City in 2023, while Virgil van Dijk’s £75m transfer from Southampton to Liverpool in 2018 remains third on the list.
Whether he truly merits such a price tag is open to discussion, but Bastoni’s talent is undeniable. A calm, left-footed defender, he blends power, composure and refined distribution skills, making him an ideal fit for a possession-based team.
A standout performer in Serie A, Bastoni has been included in the league’s Team of the Year three times over the past five seasons. He was vital to Inter’s title triumphs in 2020/21 and 2023/24 and played a major role in their journeys to the Champions League finals in both 2023 and 2025.
Liverpool are in pressing need of defensive solidity after a shaky start to the campaign. Arne Slot’s men have already conceded 17 goals in their opening 11 league fixtures – a sharp rise compared to the six they had allowed at the same point last season.
Their defensive frailties have been compounded by a turbulent transfer window, during which Trent Alexander-Arnold departed and full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez – who have been unimpressive so far – were brought in.
After spending more than £450m on new arrivals, many feel that the flood of signings has contributed to their erratic and disjointed form. Whether spending big again will solve the issue remains uncertain – but if Bastoni performs as expected, Liverpool may find the investment entirely justified.
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