Barcelona gift Liverpool a chance at dream signing | OneFootball

Barcelona look set to gift Liverpool a chance to land a true dream signing this summer.

Sport reports that Barcelona are struggling to get a deal over the line for Inter's Alessandro Bastoni. The centre-back is eager to move to Catalonia but there's a distance between the desired fee here.

Inter want to get €60m for the player but Barcelona don't wish to pay that. From the sounds of it, they're hoping Bastoni's desire to sign for them will essentially force Inter's hand.

But Liverpool have a real chance here. Barcelona are clearly up against it financially if they can't reach €60m for a player as good as Bastoni and the Reds are reportedly still in the market for a centre-back.

Ibrahima Konate's contract remains unsigned, for one. Liverpool could also move on from Joe Gomez, while Virgil van Dijk is entering the final year of his deal.

Bastoni is someone they've tracked for a long time, too. Recent reports suggest he's on a two-man shortlist at the back for Liverpool - still very much one of their dream arrivals.

Show a willingness to pay Inter's asking price and Barcelona may need to bow out of this race. They've given the Reds an opportunity to land a truly exceptional player. One we really hope they can land.

Alessandro Bastoni: Situation Summary

Inter Milan Performance and Stats

As of 6 May 2026, Alessandro Bastoni is celebrating his second consecutive Scudetto after Inter Milan secured their 21st title. The 27-year-old centre-back has made 44 total appearances this term, recording three goals and five assists. Known for his elite ball progression, he maintains a 7.44 FotMob rating in Serie A, although his recent form has been patchy following Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. He most recently played 67 minutes in a 2–0 win over Parma on 3 May, following a period where he was targeted by fans and media for his role in Italy's international "heartbreak."

Bastoni is a primary summer target for Liverpool and Barcelona as Inter reportedly look to raise €40–50 million to balance their books. Liverpool view him as the ideal left-footed successor to Virgil van Dijk, with Nico Schlotterbeck also on their shortlist. Despite being under contract until 2028, club legends have urged Bastoni to leave Italy to "rescue his career" following the domestic fallout from Italy's recent qualifying disaster.