Liverpool could be signing 'one of best defenders in the world' as £88m offer 'prepared'

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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FC transfer newsAccording to reports, Liverpool are preparing an £88million bid for a centre back recently dubbed "one of the best defenders in the world"Liverpool are reportedly preparing a blockbuster move for Inter Milan centre back Alessandro Bastoni as they look to bolster their defensive ranks. The Reds have been left short at the back following Giovanni Leoni's long-term injury and their failed pursuit of Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, prompting renewed interest in Bastoni to fill the gap.According to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool are readying an £88million bid for the 26-year-old, who has been hailed by Italy legend Giorgio Chiellini as "one of the best defenders" in world football."I know Alessandro well, he is one of the strongest central defenders around and for me, he is among the best in the world," Chiellini said in 2023.

"He is a player that Italy will be able to count on for many years, he just needs to continue working and maintaining the desire to improve."READ MORE: Liverpool transfer offer 'being prepared' as Dominik Szoboszlai 'monitored'An attempt to sign Bastoni could come as early as January, though Liverpool are said to be open to waiting until the summer if necessary - a move that could prove crucial given Ibrahima Konate's uncertain future, with his current deal expiring at the end of the season.If the deal surpasses the £80m mark, Alessandro Bastoni would become the most expensive defender in football history. Harry Maguire currently holds that distinction after joining Manchester United from Leicester for £80m back in 2019.Josko Gvardiol ranks second after his £77m move from RB Leipzig to Manchester City in 2023, while Virgil van Dijk's £75m switch from Southampton to Liverpool in 2018 sits third on the list.Whether he's worth that sort of money is up for debate, but Bastoni's quality is beyond question.

A composed, left-footed defender, he combines physical strength with excellent ball-playing ability and precision passing.Highly regarded in Serie A, Bastoni has been named in the league's Team of the Year in three of the past five seasons. He played a key role in Inter's title-winning campaigns in 2020/21 and 2023/24 and was instrumental in their runs to the Champions League final in both 2023 and 2025.Liverpool are in urgent need of greater defensive stability after a shaky start to the new season.