Liverpool targets Inter Milan’s Bastoni as defensive rebuild continues

Liverpool are moving quickly to strengthen their defense, with Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni emerging as a primary target for the summer transfer window. The move comes after the club missed out on Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who has agreed to join Manchester City in a deal worth around £20 million.

The 26-year-old Italian international has caught the attention of Liverpool's recruitment team as the club looks to address weaknesses exposed by injuries to younger defenders. Bastoni, who has been at Inter Milan since the 2019-20 season, represents one of two main defensive options Liverpool are pursuing, alongside Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck.

Background

Liverpool's interest in defensive reinforcements stems from a difficult season marked by injuries to key players. The club came close to signing Guehi last summer when they agreed a £35 million deal with Crystal Palace on transfer deadline day. However, the move collapsed when Palace failed to secure a replacement, and the defender remained at Selhurst Park.

Four months later, Guehi's situation changed dramatically. Crystal Palace accepted his departure, and the defender agreed a lucrative contract with Manchester City worth £300,000 per week. The move left Liverpool searching for alternatives as they look to bolster a backline that has shown vulnerability this season.

Bastoni has established himself as one of Europe's elite defenders during his time in Italy. The defender has made 282 appearances for Inter Milan and has won multiple major honors with the club, including Serie A titles in 2020-21 and 2023-24. He was also part of Italy's squad that won the UEFA European Championship in 2020.

Key Details

The Player's Situation

Bastoni is contracted to Inter Milan until summer 2028, but sources close to the situation indicate he is open to testing himself abroad. At 26 years old, the defender is at the peak of his powers and believes 2026 could be a significant year for his career.

"Alessandro is happy at Inter, and in Italy, but at 26, there is the belief he might look to try his hand abroad. He is at the top of his game, and not many in the world currently compare to him. 2026 is going to be a big year for him."

However, Bastoni has publicly tried to dampen speculation about his future. Speaking recently, the defender stressed his contentment at San Siro and indicated he plans to remain with the Italian club.

"Rumours about my future? These things make me proud; it means I'm doing well. There's nothing going on; I'm happy here, and I don't have any problems. Will I stay at Inter? Probably yes."

The Financial Challenge

Any move for Bastoni would come at a significant cost. Inter Milan are expected to demand around €80 million, equivalent to approximately £69.5 million, for their prized defender. This substantial fee reflects his status as one of the best defenders in world football and his importance to the Italian club.

Liverpool will face stiff competition for his signature. Chelsea have also been identified as potential suitors, with sources suggesting the Blues are actively pursuing a new center-back either this month or in the summer. Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with interest in the past.

The Schlotterbeck Alternative

Alongside Bastoni, Liverpool are also tracking Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck. The 21-year-old German defender is available for around £50 million this summer, making him a potentially more affordable option. Recent reports suggest Real Madrid have dropped out of the race for the 6-foot-3-inch defender, potentially improving Liverpool's chances of securing his signature.

What This Means

Liverpool's pursuit of Bastoni and Schlotterbeck signals the club's determination to rebuild their defensive unit. The failure to land Guehi has forced the club to look abroad for solutions, with both targets representing significant upgrades to the current squad.

A move for Bastoni would represent a statement of intent from Liverpool, demonstrating their willingness to spend premium fees for top talent. However, the defender's continued insistence that he is happy at Inter suggests negotiations could be complex. Inter Milan's reluctance to sell a key player, combined with competition from other elite European clubs, means Liverpool will need to move decisively if they wish to secure his services.

The summer transfer window will be important for Liverpool's ambitions. Whether the club can persuade Bastoni to leave Italy or pivot to alternative targets like Schlotterbeck will significantly impact their ability to compete at the highest level in the coming seasons. For now, Liverpool remain in the early stages of pursuing both defenders, with a clearer picture likely to emerge as the summer window approaches.