Barcelona to Pay €80m for Serie A's Top Defender to Halt Liverpool's Van Dijk Replacement Plan

Liverpool and Barcelona Both Eye Alessandro Bastoni as Potential Successor to Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for Alessandro Bastoni, seeing him as a potential long-term replacement for their star defender, Virgil van Dijk. The 34-year-old Dutch international has been a key player for the Reds, but with his contract set to expire in 2027, the club is already looking ahead to the future.

Van Dijk’s performances have been crucial for Liverpool, especially when he's fit and available. However, there is an understanding at Fenway Sports Group that eventually, he will need to be replaced. This has led to interest in Bastoni, who is currently playing for Inter Milan.

A Dream Successor for Van Dijk

According to TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, Liverpool see Bastoni as the ideal successor to Van Dijk. A source mentioned that while Bastoni is happy at Inter, there is a belief that he might consider a move abroad in the future.

Bastoni has established himself as one of the top defenders in Serie A, having won the league twice with Inter and being named the best defender in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons. His performances have drawn attention from multiple clubs, including both Liverpool and Barcelona.

Barcelona Also Interested in the Italian Defender

Barcelona has also shown interest in signing Bastoni, according to respected journalist Matteo Moretto. He confirmed that Barcelona have entered the race for the 26-year-old Italy international. However, unlike Liverpool, Barcelona has not yet opened talks with Inter Milan about the potential move.

The reported transfer fee for Bastoni is between €70 and €80 million (up to £70m, $94m). Whether Barcelona can afford the deal depends on their financial situation, which has been under scrutiny in recent years.

Contract Talks with Inter Milan

Bastoni is currently under contract with Inter until the summer of 2028. Reports suggest that he is in discussions with the club about extending his stay. FC Inter News noted that Bastoni is "deeply attached" to Inter, having been with the club since 2017. He has expressed a desire to remain at the Nerazzurri, indicating that a move away may not be imminent.

While there are rumors of interest from other clubs, such as Chelsea, it seems that Bastoni is not eager to leave Inter. On December 18, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared Bastoni’s response on X regarding Barcelona’s interest: “It makes me proud to see links, it means I’m doing well – but there’s zero, nothing. I’m happy here at Inter, and I have zero issues or problems here. I don’t even focus on the news.”

Inter Milan Could Target a Barcelona Defender

Meanwhile, sources have indicated that Inter Milan are in talks to sign a defender that Barcelona is keeping an eye on. In addition, Barcelona is said to be in advanced talks for an attacking player. This could mean that the competition for players in the coming transfer window is heating up.

Marcus Rashford’s Future Uncertain

Finally, there are reports that Marcus Rashford may not end up at Barcelona next season. The England international is currently on loan from Manchester United, and it remains unclear whether he will make the move permanent.

As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on the potential moves involving Bastoni, as both Liverpool and Barcelona continue their pursuit of top-tier talent.