Rousing the Kop

Report: 'Top-class' Liverpool transfer target could now cost £17m less in summer window

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Alessandro Bastoni has been on Liverpool’s radar for a while now, and his previous valuation of around £60m is thought to have dropped.The Reds have not had a lot of luck when it comes to centre-back recruitment recently, already seeing Marc Guehi move to Manchester City and Nico Schlotterbeck potentially preferring Real Madrid to Anfield.However, Bastoni’s price tag is now thought to have been reduced to around £43m as the summer transfer window nears. Is the famous Anfield atmosphere for European ties finally dead? ☠️ Our recent record does not bode well for turning things around against Galatasaray… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Marc Atkins Inter Milan could accept £43m for Alessandro BastoniRousing The Kop provided an exclusive update on Liverpool’s links to Bastoni back in November 2025, with Graeme Bailey describing the stopper as ‘top-class’ at the time.Since then, we have seen FC Barcelona linked to the Inter Milan ace, while La Gazzetta dello Sport have now provided a new update on his situation.Crucially, they say that Bastoni’s previous valuation of €70m (around £60m) is no longer relevant and his current team could now accept somewhere in the region of €50m (around £43m) this summer.In terms of future destinations for the player, they question him potentially moving to Italy, comment that Barca are looking and suggest several teams in England could be alerted to him if the signs are right.How Alessandro Bastoni compares to Virgil van DijkGiven that 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet is arriving in the summer, Bastoni would likely be viewed as a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk, who is out of contract next year.Van Dijk’s form in 2025/26 has been questioned, but the Dutchman is still performing at a similar level to the Liverpool target in their respective leagues this season.Their stats are pretty split, though the Reds captain does seem to be better with the ball at his feet.StatsVirgil van Dijk Premier League stats in 25/26 (per 90)Alessandro Bastoni Serie A stats in 25/26 (per 90)Passes attempted76.573.5Clearances7.53.5Interceptions0.71Blocked shots0.60.2Ball recoveries2.34.2Alternatively, Bastoni could be Van Dijk’s new partner for a season if Ibrahima Konate leaves for free at the end of June, which he is currently set to do.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox