Liverpool eye €70 million Serie defender Alessandro Bastoni

Liverpool are reported to be willing to meet Inter Milan’s valuation of centre‑back Alessandro Bastoni at close to £70 million, keeping the English club in the race for the 27‑year‑old Serie A defender as they continue their defensive rebuild at Anfield.

Liverpool have been tracking Alessandro Bastoni for some time, with the 27‑year‑old Italy international praised for his composure on the ball and experience at the highest level. TeamTalk Inter Milan value him at close to £70 million, a sum that would make any acquisition one of Europe’s biggest defensive deals. The club’s interest is not new, but extensive groundwork has already been carried out, keeping the defender firmly on the Reds’ radar.

£70 million price sparks competition

The hefty valuation invites interest from several elite clubs. Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona are all reported to be monitoring the defender, meaning Liverpool would face stiff competition should they move for him. Yet the Reds’ long‑running appreciation for Bastoni could give them an edge if a genuine market window opens.

Van Dijk succession drives interest

Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are both entering the final phases of their contracts, prompting Liverpool to consider long‑term solutions at centre‑back. Recruiting a player of Bastoni’s calibre would provide a potential successor to Van Dijk and reinforce the back line before any contractual uncertainty materialises. Andoni Iraola, who inherited a defensive group still needing refinement, is keen to secure a leader who can build play and command the area.

Liverpool’s defensive rebuild gains momentum

The club’s summer business has already highlighted the scale of change around Anfield, with significant spending over the past 18 months reshaping the squad. Despite major investment, the defensive line remains a department under close scrutiny, and the search for a new centre‑back continues to be a priority. Liverpool’s defensive plans therefore remain active as they aim to solidify the back four for the coming seasons.

The broader market could still influence the outcome. Chelsea’s absence from European competition may weaken their pull on the player, while Manchester City’s own transfer landscape carries uncertainty. If Liverpool decide to act decisively, an opening may appear, turning the watched situation into a concrete deal.

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, the prospect of signing Bastoni feels reassuring, as it signals ambition beyond merely replacing Van Dijk. The defender’s pedigree, authority and technical quality match the profile the club seeks to anchor its next era. Paying around £70 million for a centre‑back would be a major call, but the Reds have shown willingness to invest heavily when the right profile emerges.

For now the interest remains active rather than an advanced negotiation, but the name continues to be watched closely as part of Liverpool’s ongoing defensive rebuild. Should the fee be met, the move would rank among the most expensive centre‑back transfers in Europe, underscoring the club’s commitment to securing a long‑term successor at Anfield.