Liverpool are reportedly interested in making a move for young Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni in the summer transfer window. The 21-year-old defender has made over 60 appearances for the Italian club.
As per Gazzetta dello Sport (via Metro), Inter Milan could demand as much as £43 million for Bastoni, who was signed by Inter for £26.5 million in 2017. Several top European clubs are reportedly interested in signing the youngster, which includes the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Bastoni is a full Italy international having played three times for the Italian national team since debuting last year. His current deal with Inter Milan expires in the summer of 2023.
Alessandro Bastoni: Is he worth the fuss?
Alessandro Bastoni is an exciting, talented young defender, who could go on to have a fantastic career and become one of Europe’s best. The lanky Italian has shown great maturity since being added to Inter’s first team.
Bastoni is a technically gifted player who is good on the ball and can bring it out from defence effortlessly. The left-footed defender is quick and tenacious, capable of putting in tackles and interceptions, while also initiating attacks. He has averaged 1.2 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, and 2 clearances per game in Serie A this season for Inter Milan, while also averaging 1.6 aerial duel wins. Bastoni has a very good passing percentage of 89.9%, averaging 69.2 balls per game.
Liverpool have struggled with injuries in the centre-back positions, with three of their first-choice central defenders – Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Joel Matip, all suffering long-term injuries. They have had to bring in young defenders Ben Davies and Ozan Kabak, neither of whom have been able to fill the big shoes of van Dijk, Gomez and Matip.
The Reds may have to bring in another first-team centre-back in the summer to add competition and depth in central defence. Bastoni could be a decent addition to the team as he has the qualities that Klopp requires in a defender. He is quick, has ability on the ball, and has made big strides in his game over the last year.
He could become an even better player under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp, but like most young players – especially ones from outside the UK, will need to be given time to adapt.
But this is a move that will only make sense if Liverpool don’t view Kabak and Davies as viable long-term first-team options.
