Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni to add more depth to their defence next season.
Bastoni has been a key player for the Italian giants over the last two seasons and has made over 70 appearances for the club in all competitions.
According to Italian outlet Leggo, Liverpool has reignited their interest in Bastoni and could make a move for him in the summer. The report claims that the Reds would have to pay anywhere between €50 million and €60 million for the 22-year-old.
The centre-back moved to Inter from Atalanta for a fee of €31 million in 2017 and spent two seasons on loan, first to Atalanta and the following season at Parma.
Bastoni’s current deal with Inter Milan expires in 2023. The youngster is an Italy international, having made his full debut last year.
Alessandro Bastoni to Liverpool – Is he worth the fuss?
Alessandro Bastoni is a promising young central defender, who has been a key figure at the back for Inter Milan in their current title-winning season. The Italian has played on the left side of a back three for the Serie A champions and has played 32 of 37 league games this season, forming a strong partnership with Stefan de Vrij and Milan Skriniar at the back.
Bastoni is a confident player with a strong left foot who likes to pass the ball out from the back. The youngster averages 68.2 passes per game in the league this season, completing 90.3% of all passes attempted.
He also likes to play the ball long to his attacking teammates, averaging 4.6 long balls per game in the Serie A this season. Bastoni has the ability to turn defence into attack in no time with his superb passing ability.
Liverpool could look towards Inter duo Stefan de Vrij and Alessandro Bastoni as potential defensive signings, according to a report.(Leggo)
— RumorsTransfersNews24/7 📰 (@rumorstransfers) May 19, 2021
Playing in a back three has given Bastoni the freedom to press up the pitch and win the ball and he averages 1.1 tackles per game. The 22-year-old also uses his 6’3″ frame to good effect aerially, winning 1.6 balls in the air per game.
Liverpool desperately need to add defenders to their backline ahead of next season as Jürgen Klopp has been hamstrung by injuries to key defenders. There are two issues that Klopp may be wary of with signing Bastoni.
The Italian is a left-footed defender which means that star defender Virgil van Dijk, who plays on the left side of defence, may have to switch over to the right side.
Bastoni has also primarily played in a three-man defence for his club, which is not a system that Klopp employs at Liverpool. This is something the Italian will have to adapt to quickly.
Bastoni could be a decent signing for Liverpool as he has excellent passing skills and is a composed figure, and at 22 years of age has the potential to become a very good player for Liverpool.
