In the space of just one day, Liverpool supporters have been met with a flood of intriguing developments. A report from David Ornstein revealing that the club is exploring defensive midfielders abroad broke almost simultaneously with new claims linking the Reds to Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.
The closeness of these stories has fuelled widespread discussion, with many fans convinced that Arne Slot is preparing a significant restructuring of Liverpool’s defensive unit.
Targeting Bastoni would undoubtedly be one of Liverpool’s most ambitious moves heading into the next transfer window. Indykaila News claimed: “Liverpool enquired about Alessandro Bastoni. Talks have started between all parties. The player wants the move #LFC.” Although Indykaila’s reliability varies, they have published several accurate exclusives in the past, adding an element of curiosity to the rumour. If the report proves true, securing Bastoni would represent a major coup given his influence at Inter and his status as one of Europe’s most polished centre-backs.
The situation at Inter also adds context to the speculation. The club recently changed ownership after long-standing financial issues under Suning Holdings resulted in a takeover by Oaktree Capital Management. With debts to address, the new hierarchy could be more open to selling high-value assets — placing Bastoni among the players who might attract serious bids.
In terms of profile, Bastoni is a near-perfect match for Liverpool’s evolving tactical structure. While his aerial statistics may cause some hesitation among fans, his reading of the game and technical ability comfortably offset that concern. When measured against Liverpool’s own Jarell Quansah — a defender celebrated for his physical and defensive strengths — Bastoni stands out in ball progression and creativity.
FBref data highlights his exceptional output: he ranks in the 95th percentile for assists, 99th for expected assisted goals, 99th for shot-creating actions, 97th for progressive passes, and 97th for progressive carries. These numbers demonstrate how effectively he drives play forward and contributes to attacking sequences — qualities Liverpool desire in a left-footed centre-back who can build out from the back.
However, signing him would require a major financial commitment. Bastoni is valued at around €70 million and is under contract until 2028, meaning Inter have no obligation to sell. His wages would also be considerable, though Liverpool’s strategic need for a high-level ball-playing defender might justify the investment.
For now, fans should remain cautiously optimistic. Indykaila’s claims are intriguing, but confirmation from more established journalists like Ornstein or Paul Joyce will be essential. Should Bastoni eventually arrive at Anfield, he could become the transformative defensive addition Liverpool have been searching for — making this a rumour well worth monitoring.
