Liverpool are now plotting a 2027 move for a new centre-back, with Virgil van Dijk’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Van Dijk has been indispensable throughout his time at Anfield, making a total of 380 appearances since arriving from Southampton at January 2018, and he has continued to be one of the first names on the team sheet in the Premier League this season, starting all five matches.
|
Virgil Van Dijk’s Premier League stats |
Number completed |
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
5 |
|
Minutes |
450 |
|
Clean sheets |
3 |
|
Yellow cards |
1 |
|
Tackles |
5 |
|
Interceptions |
7 |
|
Clearances |
41 |
However, the Dutchman is now 35-years-old, and his existing contract is set to expire at the end of the season, which means there are doubts surrounding his long-term future on Merseyside.
The veteran defender has started to strike up quite the partnership with Jeremy Jacquet, and he was full of praise for his centre-back partner earlier this month, saying: “So far, it is good. He is 21 years old and very promising, but it is up to him to keep working hard and staying calm. It’s a big credit to him how he started his Liverpool career, but we are in September. Hopefully there are years of his Liverpool career left.”
However, should Van Dijk depart, Andoni Iraola may need to bring in a new partner for Jacquet at the heart of defence, and a Serie A star has now emerged as a target.
Liverpool eyeing 2027 move for Alessandro Bastoni
According to a report from Football Insider, Liverpool are looking to sign Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni in the 2027 summer transfer window, having admired the Italian for a considerable amount of time.
Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown adds: “Liverpool have been long-term admirers of his, we’ve spoken about that before I think, so there is every chance they could reignite that interest, especially if they lose Van Dijk.
“He is the perfect option if you’re looking for a Van Dijk replacement because of the experience, leadership and defensive qualities that he has. So if they decide to let Van Dijk go, they don’t have to look much further than Bastoni for his replacement if they can get a deal done.”
Much like Van Dijk, the Inter star is very experienced at the highest level, having recorded 57 appearances in the Champions League, and he has been lauded as “sensational” by content creator Neal Gardner.
Moreover, the Italy international is also very impressive in possession of the ball, averaging 81.0 accurate passes per 90 in the Serie A this season, which is a higher number than any of Iraola’s players have managed in the Premier League.
Lauded as “one of the best defenders in modern football” by ex-Italy and Inter star Giuseppe Bergomi, at 27-years-old, Bastoni may still have a number of years remaining at the top level, but a deal would be on the expensive side, with Inter said to be holding out for £70m.