Liverpool have beefed up their search for the one to follow Virgil van Dijk in what is at times the world’s best defence.

The excerpt is clear: with Virgil van Dijk nearing the end of his time at Anfield, the Reds are looking for a centre-back who can lead the defence in the coming years.

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Liverpool want Alessandro Bastoni

The English club have set their sights on Italian Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan, a player who is at the peak of his career, according to Il Giorno. At 26, he combines experience, maturity and great potential, making him one of the most sought-after defenders in the world.

Liverpool will be willing to offer around €100 million to secure his services. This amount shows the club’s determination to strengthen its defence and find the ideal heir to Virgil van Dijk. Bastoni is considered a player with leadership skills, good passing play, and an excellent reading of the game.

The reasons why Liverpool want the signing

At Liverpool, they are aware that their captain cannot maintain his supreme level forever. Virgil van Dijk has been a fundamental pillar in recent successes, but the board and coaching staff are already working with the future in mind. Bastoni fits perfectly into the team’s game philosophy, with his composed style and ability to organize the game from the back.

Inter Milan will not make it easy. The defender is under contract until 2028 and is considered a key player in the Nerazzuri’s project. Still, Liverpool’s financial offer could make the Italian board reconsider, especially considering the club’s financial needs.

Negotiations, Value, and Obstacles

Negotiations between Liverpool and Inter Milan could drag on over the next few weeks. In Italy, they assure that the Lombard club will not accept less than 100 million for their star defender, a figure that would make him one of the most expensive signings in the history of English football.

On the other hand, Alessandro Bastoni would not look unfavourably on a change of club if he was presented with a competitive project. The challenge of playing in the Premier League and becoming the heir to Virgil van Dijk could be a key factor in his decision. In addition, his profile fits perfectly into the dynamic style of play of the team led by Arne Slot.

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Liverpool know that this signing would not only strengthen their defence, but also send a clear message to the rest of Europe: Liverpool continue to invest in young and quality talent to maintain their status among the elite. Bastoni would be responsible for leading a new era in the Reds’ defence.

The operation will not be easy, but Liverpool’s interest is firm. If they manage to close the deal, the English club would have secured an elite stopper for the next decade and the natural successor to Virgil van Dijk. All indications are that next summer could be crucial in defining the Italian defender’s future.

With this move, Liverpool make it clear that they do not want to improvise their defending future. The club is working with vision and ambition, knowing that the arrival of Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan would be an expression of power in the transfer market.

Time will tell if the Reds can convince the Italian club, but it is clear that Liverpool are determined to find the perfect replacement for their defensive leader, Virgil van Dijk.