Liverpool are reportedly preparing an £88 million offer for a centre-back widely regarded as one of the world’s elite.
The club is believed to be ready to invest heavily in a top-level defender to strengthen their back line, either in the January window or next summer.
According to reports, Liverpool have set their sights on Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni as they look to reinforce their defence.
The Reds have struggled at the back due to Giovanni Leoni’s prolonged injury and their unsuccessful attempt to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, leading them to refocus on Bastoni as a realistic target.
Mundo Deportivo claims Liverpool are lining up an £88 million bid for the 26-year-old, who has drawn high praise from Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini, calling him “one of the best defenders” in football.
“I know Alessandro well—he’s one of the strongest centre backs around, and in my view, among the best globally,” Chiellini said in 2023. “Italy can count on him for many years if he keeps working hard and striving to improve.”
A move for Bastoni could happen as early as January, though Liverpool are reportedly willing to wait until the summer if needed—a decision that may prove important with Ibrahima Konate’s future in doubt, as his contract expires at the end of the season.
If the fee surpasses £80 million, Bastoni would become the most expensive defender ever. Harry Maguire currently holds the record after moving from Leicester City to Manchester United for £80 million in 2019.
Josko Gvardiol’s £77 million switch from RB Leipzig to Manchester City in 2023 ranks second, while Virgil van Dijk’s £75 million transfer from Southampton to Liverpool in 2018 is third.
Whether Bastoni merits such a massive fee is up for debate, but his quality is unquestionable.
The left-footed defender is calm on the ball, physically strong, and an excellent distributor, making him an ideal fit for a possession-based system.
A standout performer in Serie A, Bastoni has been included in the league’s Team of the Year three times in the past five seasons.
He was central to Inter’s title-winning campaigns in 2020/21 and 2023/24 and played major roles in their runs to the Champions League finals in 2023 and 2025.
Liverpool are in urgent need of defensive improvement after a shaky start to the season. Arne Slot’s side have already conceded 17 goals in their first 11 league games—compared to just six at the same point last year.
Their problems have been worsened by a chaotic transfer window that saw Trent Alexander-Arnold depart and new full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez—who have struggled so far—arrive.
After spending over £450 million on new players, many believe the wave of signings has contributed to their disjointed and inconsistent performances.
Whether more heavy spending will fix their issues remains uncertain—but if Bastoni fulfils expectations, the investment may prove entirely justified.
