Liverpool could splash £60m on defender to lead post-Van Dijk era | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Big-Money Move for Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni

Long-Term Successor to Van Dijk Identified

As Liverpool prepare for the next chapter under Arne Slot, centre-back has become a key position under review. With Virgil van Dijk yet to commit to a contract extension—and interest swirling around Ibrahima Konaté—the club’s recruitment team are exploring elite-level replacements.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool have “seriously considered” a move for Alessandro Bastoni, Inter Milan’s 25-year-old defensive pillar. The report adds there is a “belief” at Liverpool that Bastoni would immediately improve their starting XI. That’s a bold assessment—yet few would disagree given his consistency and pedigree.

Photo: IMAGO

Inter Star Won’t Come Cheap

Bastoni has been central to Inter’s title challenge this season, contributing to 13 clean sheets in Serie A. His profile—left-footed, composed in possession, physically strong—ticks every box for a modern centre-half. But such quality comes at a premium.

Liverpool would need to pay upwards of £60 million to secure his signature, a figure that would make Bastoni the sixth-most expensive defender in history, behind names like Gvardiol, Maguire and Van Dijk himself.

Slot’s Tactical Influence on Defensive Planning

With Arne Slot prioritising a progressive style of football, Bastoni’s ability to build from the back makes him an ideal fit. The Italian international has long been viewed as one of Europe’s most intelligent defenders in terms of positioning, anticipation and ball distribution.

Photo: IMAGO

Whether Van Dijk stays or goes, Liverpool’s intent is clear—they want to future-proof their defence. Football Insider suggest Van Dijk’s decision may even hinge on whether he remains an automatic starter under Slot: “Van Dijk wants to understand how much of a role he will play moving forward before he commits his future to Liverpool.”

Photo: IMAGO

Alternatives Also Under Consideration

Bastoni isn’t the only name on the shortlist. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are also tracking Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), and Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton). Each player offers Premier League experience or long-term potential, but none would come cheaply.

Photo IMAGO

Liverpool’s hierarchy remain willing to invest—particularly in a player who can anchor the defence for the next five to eight years.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, this is the kind of statement ambition we’ve come to expect from the club’s best recruitment windows. Alessandro Bastoni isn’t just a replacement—he’s a declaration that Liverpool intend to remain elite at both ends of the pitch.

He’s calm under pressure, reads the game beautifully, and would offer something we’ve lacked since Van Dijk’s peak: a true left-sided centre-back with elite distribution. Add that to the fact he’s only 25, and it’s easy to see why £60 million would be seen as a long-term investment rather than a gamble.

Sure, it raises questions about Van Dijk’s future—but that’s football. Transition is inevitable. If this is part of Slot’s vision, fans should be excited about what’s coming next. Bastoni is already a proven winner in Italy—imagine what he could become at Anfield.

Even if the deal doesn’t materialise, it signals Liverpool’s intent: to remain at the top, not rebuild from it.