'Have to say': Liverpool's chances of landing Alessandro Bastoni rated as Reds told to 'keep an eye' - journalist
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Alessandro Bastoni is arguably the best signing Liverpool could possibly make at centre-back in 2026.The Inter Milan stopper is one of the best defenders in world football, and as the Reds look ahead to a Virgil van Dijk-less future, he could help to ease that transition.As Liverpool shop around for one, two or possibly even three new centre-backs in the coming 18 months, Bastoni’s name has been tentatively mentioned.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. As Rousing The Kop exclusively revealed earlier this week, Liverpool have been made aware that Bastoni could be available next summer.Fans have been getting excited as a result, as they entertain the idea of one of Italy’s best joining their club.However, journalist David Lynch has stepped in to dampen suggestion that Bastoni could be on his way, instead suggesting that Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck is a more likely addition.Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty ImagesAlessandro Bastoni to Liverpool looks difficultIf Liverpool want to go out and get a ready-made centre-back to slot straight into their back four, then Bastoni is perhaps the ultimate target.Turning 27 in April, the Italy international is coming into what theoretically should be the peak of his career and has been performing at the top level for years already.READ MORE: German media issue ‘weak’ Florian Wirtz verdict as Liverpool troubles evident vs LuxembourgNevertheless, according to Lynch, age is just one of the factors which makes a Liverpool move for Bastoni a little unlikely as things stand.“You may have heard links to Bastoni as well at Inter, but I have to say slightly more sceptical on that,” the journalist said on his YouTube channel.
Who has been Liverpool’s best summer signing? “He’s a little older than Schlotterbeck.
He’s played only in Italy for all of his career so far and he’s contracted till 2028. “Liverpool have been linked and to me he ticks a lot of boxes.”While Bastoni would possibly offer a bigger guarantee of success, Schlotterbeck’s availability and age profile seemingly makes him the more likely signing as things stand.