Within just a single day, Liverpool supporters have been met with a surge of promising transfer developments. A report from David Ornstein revealing that the club is actively evaluating defensive midfield targets abroad surfaced almost simultaneously with new rumours linking the Reds to Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.
The closeness of these two updates has fuelled significant discussion among fans, with many believing that Arne Slot may be preparing for a large-scale reshaping of Liverpool’s defensive structure. If the speculation surrounding Bastoni has any truth, it would signal one of the club’s most ambitious pursuits ahead of the coming transfer window. Indykaila News claimed that “Liverpool enquired about Alessandro Bastoni. Talks have started between all parties. The player wants the move #LFC.”
Although Indykaila’s record for reliability is inconsistent, they have occasionally delivered accurate information, which adds an element of curiosity to the story. Should Liverpool manage to secure the Italian centre-back, it would be seen as a major coup given his quality, consistency, and status at Inter Milan.
The timing of the rumour also stands out. Inter recently experienced a shift in ownership after financial pressure during Suning Holdings’ tenure resulted in a takeover by Oaktree Capital Management. With outstanding debts to address, there is a belief that the new owners may be more open to selling high-value assets—placing Bastoni among the potential candidates who could be cashed in on.
From a tactical perspective, Bastoni appears to be an excellent stylistic match for Liverpool’s evolving approach. While some fans may worry about his aerial presence, his positional intelligence, vision, and composure in possession more than compensate for any perceived weaknesses. Unlike Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah, who excels primarily on the defensive side, Bastoni provides a more progressive, creative dimension from the back.
FBref data highlights how influential he can be in build-up play and chance creation, ranking in the 95th percentile or above for key metrics such as assists, expected assisted goals, shot-creating actions, progressive passes, and progressive carries. These numbers demonstrate why he is regarded as one of Europe’s most dynamic left-sided centre-backs and why Liverpool see him as an ideal fit for their style.
However, any potential transfer would be costly. Bastoni is estimated to be worth around €70 million, and with a contract lasting until 2028, Inter would demand a substantial fee. His wages would also be significant.
For now, fans should remain optimistic but cautious. The rumour is exciting, yet confirmation from highly trusted journalists like Ornstein or Paul Joyce will ultimately determine its legitimacy. If Bastoni ever arrives at Anfield, he could play a transformative role in Liverpool’s defensive stability and attacking build-up—making this a story well worth following.
