Liverpool are moving towards another important period of squad planning, and the focus around Virgil van Dijk is growing sharper with 2027 in view. As TeamTalk reports, Alessandro Bastoni is among the names under consideration, with the Inter defender valued at around £70m and attracting interest from several elite clubs.
That context matters. Liverpool have already lived through one significant cycle of change in recent seasons, and further decisions are looming around senior figures. Van Dijk remains the captain, a leading presence and a guaranteed starter when fit, but planning for succession at centre-back is no longer a distant conversation. It is becoming a live recruitment issue.
The expectation around Alisson Becker has been clearer for some time, with Giorgi Mamardashvili lined up as the long-term No 1. Replacing Van Dijk, however, carries a different level of complexity. Liverpool are not simply looking to fill a position, they are trying to anticipate the eventual departure of a player who has shaped the defensive identity of the side for years.
Alessandro Bastoni fits Liverpool transfer profile
Bastoni stands out because he brings both immediate quality and long-term security. At 27, he is at an age where Liverpool could expect prime-level performance straight away, while still investing in several strong seasons ahead. His reputation has been built on composure in possession, authority in defensive duels and a level of tactical intelligence that marks him out among Europe’s top centre-backs.
There is also an argument that his stylistic profile makes him a natural fit for a side that expects defenders to start attacks, defend aggressively in space and carry responsibility in the biggest matches. His experience with Inter, combined with major international success with Italy, adds another layer of reassurance.
Liverpool will also know this is not a straightforward market. Chelsea and Manchester City are credited with interest, while Inter are…
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