Liverpool ready for opportunity to sign Serie A defender in 2026 | OneFootball

Liverpool plot long-term defensive succession as Bastoni future monitored

Liverpool’s recruitment team are continuing to map out life beyond Virgil van Dijk, with growing awareness that Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni could be open to exploring a move away from Serie A in the coming years. While no formal approach is imminent, sources with knowledge of the situation indicate that 2026 is shaping up as a realistic window for one of Europe’s elite centre-backs to consider a new challenge.

At Anfield, succession planning is not viewed as a short-term exercise. Van Dijk remains central to Liverpool’s present and immediate future, but the club’s hierarchy are acutely conscious of timing, value and opportunity when it comes to replacing a player who has defined an era. That balance is driving a watching brief on Bastoni, a player widely regarded as among the most complete defenders in the modern game.

Bastoni profile and why Liverpool are interested

Bastoni’s reputation has been built on consistency at the highest level. Since establishing himself at Inter, he has combined tactical intelligence with comfort in possession, aerial authority and positional discipline. At 26, he is entering what many clubs consider the prime years for a central defender, with experience that belies his age.

Liverpool’s interest, according to TeamTalk, is rooted as much in profile as in ability. Bastoni is left-sided, progressive with the ball and comfortable defending large spaces — attributes that align with how Liverpool have traditionally structured their back line around Van Dijk. Internally, he is viewed as a defender capable of operating in a high defensive line while also coping with the demands of European football.

Inter, for their part, are relaxed about the situation for now. Bastoni is under contract until 2028 and remains settled in Milan. However, intermediaries have communicated that the Italy international is at least open to the idea of testing himself abroad at some stage, rather than committing his entire career to Serie A.

Van Dijk succession shaping Liverpool strategy

Van Dijk’s influence at Liverpool extends beyond defensive metrics. He has been the reference point for leadership, organisation and composure since his arrival, and replacing that profile will require more than a like-for-like defender. Liverpool’s approach reflects an understanding that transition must be gradual, not reactive.

Those close to the club believe that Van Dijk’s current contract, which runs until 2027, provides Liverpool with a clear runway. Rather than waiting until decline forces a decision, recruitment staff are identifying targets early, assessing availability and monitoring contract cycles. Bastoni fits that model precisely, particularly if Inter face a decision point with two years remaining on his deal.

Financially, any deal would be significant. Inter are expected to value Bastoni in the region of €75m, a figure that reflects both his standing and scarcity. Liverpool have shown previously that they are prepared to invest heavily in defenders when convinced of long-term value, and Van Dijk himself remains the benchmark for that thinking.

Competition expected across Europe

Liverpool are not alone in tracking Bastoni’s situation. Several Premier League rivals have been alerted to the same signals, while elite clubs across Europe are also maintaining contact. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are among those understood to have carried out background work, recognising that opportunities to sign a defender of this calibre rarely arise.

That level of interest means Liverpool would need clarity and conviction to move decisively. There is no appetite for an auction-style pursuit, and any future approach would be contingent on timing, squad needs and market conditions. For now, the emphasis is on intelligence gathering rather than negotiation.

Long-term planning over short-term noise

Publicly, Bastoni has reiterated his happiness at Inter, and there is no suggestion of an immediate exit. Privately, Liverpool accept that patience will be required if interest is to develop into something concrete. The club’s recent recruitment strategy has leaned heavily on preparation, allowing them to act quickly when circumstances align.

In that sense, Bastoni represents possibility rather than priority. Van Dijk remains Liverpool’s defensive cornerstone, but the next phase is already being shaped quietly in the background. When the moment comes to pass the baton, Liverpool intend to be ready