Liverpool are reportedly on the verge of making a monumental statement in the transfer market, with a staggering £88 million bid being prepared for Inter Milan's star centre-back, Alessandro Bastoni.
Defensive Crisis Sparks Mega-Money Move
The Reds' pursuit is driven by a pressing need to solidify a defence that has looked uncharacteristically vulnerable this season. The lengthy injury to Giovanni Leoni and the failed attempt to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace have forced the club's hierarchy to seek a top-tier solution. According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, that solution is the 26-year-old Italian international, Bastoni.
Manager Arne Slot has overseen a defence that has already conceded 17 goals in their opening 11 Premier League fixtures. This is a stark contrast to the mere six goals they had let in at the same stage last season, highlighting a significant area for improvement.
Why Bastoni? The 'World's Best' Label
The potential record-breaking fee is justified by Bastoni's exceptional pedigree and skill set. The defender has been lavished with praise by none other than Italian defensive legend Giorgio Chiellini. Back in 2023, Chiellini declared Bastoni "one of the best defenders" in the world, adding, "He is one of the strongest central defenders around and for me, he is among the best in the world."
Bastoni's credentials are impeccable:
- A vital part of Inter Milan's Serie A title wins in 2020/21 and 2023/24.
- Instrumental in their runs to the Champions League final in both 2023 and 2025.
- Named in the Serie A Team of the Year three times in the last five seasons.
As a calm, left-footed defender, he offers a blend of power, composure, and excellent distribution, making him an ideal fit for a possession-dominant team like Liverpool.
Record-Breaking Implications and Timing
An £88 million deal would have seismic implications for the transfer market. It would see Bastoni become the most expensive defender in football history, surpassing the £80 million fee Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019. Josko Gvardiol's £77 million move to Manchester City and Virgil van Dijk's £75 million switch to Liverpool complete the current top three.
The move could materialise as early as the January transfer window, but Liverpool are prepared to wait until next summer if necessary. This patience could be crucial, given the uncertain contract situation of Ibrahima Konate, whose current deal expires at the end of the season.
This potential mega-transfer comes amidst a period of heavy spending at Anfield. The club's outlay this season is already approaching £500 million, following the arrivals of players like Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, and the high-profile departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold. While some have questioned if this influx has led to disjointed team performances, the acquisition of a proven, world-class defender like Bastoni could be the key to restoring stability and mounting a serious title challenge.
