Andoni Iraola eyes Alessandro Bastoni As liverpool's next Van Dijk

In the quiet of Anfield’s training complex, Andoni Iraola flips through scouting reports while the echo of past victories still lingers. He pauses over a file on Virgil van Dijk, the 35‑year‑old Dutchman who has anchored Liverpool’s back line since 2017. The scene captures the club’s urgent need to plan beyond the former Southampton defender.

Van Dijk’s looming exit

Virgil van Dijk arrived at Liverpool in 2017 and quickly became the Reds’ rock, helping secure two Premier League titles that underpin the club’s recent dominance. Now, entering the final year of a contract that runs until June 2027, he will be a month away from turning 36 in June. The ageing defender remains a regular starter, missing only the Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham.

Despite his continued performances, the Dutchman’s age and contract situation force Liverpool to contemplate life after him. His partnership with a more competent centre‑back than Ibrahima Konaté has stabilised the defence, and some observers already rank Jeremy Jacquet among the world’s best centre‑backs. Yet experience is still required to mentor the younger cohort.

Liverpool’s academy now boasts two of the world’s most promising centre‑backs – Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni – while Ifeanyi Ndukwe hopes to translate his pre‑season form into La Liga success. The blend of youthful talent and seasoned guidance is seen as essential for maintaining the Reds’ defensive standards.

Bastoni emerges as potential successor

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are planning to reignite their long‑term interest in Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni during next summer’s window. The 27‑year‑old Italian has been on Anfield’s radar for years, but the club has never succeeded in luring him from his boyhood side.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool view Bastoni as the “perfect option” to strengthen the back line next summer. He added, “Bastoni is extremely highly regarded, not just at Liverpool but across world football, and could be the ideal choice to replace Van Dijk should a new contract not be agreed.”

Securing Bastoni will be a challenge, yet the defender may welcome a move to test himself outside Serie A and chase Champions League glory. He was pursued by numerous clubs this summer, underscoring his reputation as one of Serie A’s best centre‑backs and a potential mentor for the likes of Jacquet and Leoni.

If Liverpool can bring Bastoni to Anfield, the club will have a highly experienced anchor to guide its youthful defenders after Van Dijk’s eventual departure. The decision, driven by Iraola’s assessment, could shape the Reds’ defensive identity well beyond 2027.