Liverpool weighing £87m move for Bastoni amid Guehi uncertainty
Liverpool’s search for a new central defender has intensified, with reports from Italy and Spain suggesting that Arne Slot’s side could make an £87m bid for Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni — a player regarded among Europe’s elite defenders. While Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi remains on the radar, growing competition and contractual complications have opened the door for a potential marquee move to bolster the Reds’ backline.
Liverpool assessing defensive options
Arne Slot’s debut season at Anfield has been a blend of promise and frustration. There have been flashes of the trademark energy that defines Liverpool at their best, yet inconsistency and defensive frailties have repeatedly cost them in key moments. Despite a return to winning ways with a narrow victory over Aston Villa, the sense remains that the Reds lack depth and stability in central defence.
Virgil van Dijk continues to marshal the backline with authority, but with the Dutchman now in his thirties and Ibrahima Konaté enduring fitness concerns, the club’s recruitment team — under the guidance of Fenway Sports Group — have intensified their pursuit of a long-term successor.
Marc Guehi had emerged as the top target last summer, with Liverpool reportedly close to completing a deal on deadline day. However, Crystal Palace’s inability to find a replacement saw the move collapse at the final hurdle, despite the 25-year-old being cleared to undergo a medical on Merseyside. Guehi is now entering the final year of his deal and has shown no desire to renew, leaving Palace vulnerable to losing him either in January or on a free transfer next summer.
Bastoni’s profile fits Slot’s philosophy
According to Spanish outlet AS, Liverpool are seriously considering Bastoni as an alternative to Guehi, with discussions ongoing over a possible £87m offer for the Inter Milan star. The Italian international has become a cornerstone of Simone Inzaghi’s defence, contributing to two Serie A titles, two Coppa Italia triumphs, and Italy’s Euro 2020 success.
At 26, Bastoni offers a balance of experience and longevity that aligns perfectly with Slot’s vision of a ball-dominant, progressive defensive unit. His ability to play out from the back, combined with exceptional anticipation and tactical intelligence, would make him an ideal fit for Liverpool’s system.
Renowned commentator Matteo Bonetti has previously described Bastoni as “world-class” — high praise that underscores his growing reputation as one of Europe’s most complete defenders. His passing range, comfort on the ball, and composure under pressure have made him integral to Inter’s high-tempo transitions, a quality that mirrors the approach Slot seeks to embed at Anfield.
Comparing Bastoni and Guehi
While Guehi has proven his credentials in the Premier League, regularly ranking among the division’s most consistent defenders, Bastoni brings a different dimension. The Englishman’s strengths lie in his discipline, aerial presence and positional awareness, but the Italian’s creative passing and technical assurance stand out at a higher level.
Data comparisons reveal that Guehi engages in more defensive duels — understandable given Palace’s frequent rearguard action — but Bastoni’s progressive passing and decision-making in tight spaces make him a superior option for possession-based football.
Liverpool’s recruitment strategy in recent seasons has focused on adaptability and technical quality, both of which Bastoni embodies. His profile suggests he could seamlessly transition into the Premier League, offering the club not only a Van Dijk successor but also a leader capable of transforming their defensive dynamics.
Liverpool’s long-term vision
There is growing belief within the club that significant investment in defence is essential if Slot is to shape a title-challenging side in his image. FSG’s willingness to sanction a record-breaking bid would underline a renewed commitment to squad evolution, particularly as the core of Liverpool’s defence enters a period of transition.
Guehi remains an attainable option given his contract situation, but the emergence of Bastoni as a target hints at ambition beyond short-term fixes. Liverpool know that defensive excellence has always underpinned their success, from the solidity of the late 1970s teams to the resilience of Klopp’s champions. Securing a player of Bastoni’s calibre could once again provide the foundation for sustained dominance.
As January approaches, Liverpool’s intentions will become clearer — but one thing is certain: Arne Slot wants a centre-back capable of shaping the club’s next era. Bastoni could be that player.
