Liverpool ‘prepare’ £88m bid for centre back labelled ‘one of the best in the world’…

Liverpool is reportedly preparing an £88 million bid for a centre back considered ‘one of the best in the world’.

The club is said to be willing to spend significantly to acquire a highly regarded centre back to address their defensive issues, either in January or the following summer.

Liverpool is reportedly targeting Inter Milan’s centre back Alessandro Bastoni as they seek to bolster their defensive lineup.

The Reds have faced vulnerabilities at the back due to Giovanni Leoni’s extended injury absence and their failed pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, prompting them to refocus on Bastoni as a viable option.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool is preparing an offer of £88 million for the 26-year-old, who has received accolades from Italian football legend Giorgio Chiellini, who described him as “one of the best defenders” in the sport.

“I know Alessandro well; he is one of the strongest central defenders available, and in my opinion, he ranks among the best in the world,” Chiellini stated in 2023. “He is a player that Italy can rely on for many years to come, provided he continues to work hard and maintains his desire to improve.”

A potential transfer for Bastoni could be pursued as early as January, although Liverpool is reportedly prepared to wait until the summer if necessary—a choice that may be crucial given Ibrahima Konate’s uncertain future, with his current contract expiring at the end of the season.

If the deal surpasses £80 million, Alessandro Bastoni would become the most expensive defender in history. Harry Maguire currently holds that record following his £80 million transfer from Leicester to Manchester United in 2019.

Josko Gvardiol ranks second with his £77 million transfer from RB Leipzig to Manchester City in 2023, while Virgil van Dijk’s £75 million move from Southampton to Liverpool in 2018 remains third on the list.

The question of whether he truly deserves such a hefty price tag is debatable, yet Bastoni’s talent is indisputable.

As a composed, left-footed defender, he combines strength, poise, and exceptional distribution abilities, making him a perfect match for a possession-oriented team.

A prominent player in Serie A, Bastoni has been named to the league’s Team of the Year three times in the last five seasons.

He played a crucial role in Inter’s championship victories in 2020/21 and 2023/24 and was instrumental in their paths to the Champions League finals in both 2023 and 2025.

Liverpool urgently requires defensive stability following a rocky start to the season. Arne Slot’s squad has already allowed 17 goals in their first 11 league matches – a significant increase from the six they conceded at the same stage last year.

Their defensive weaknesses have been exacerbated by a tumultuous transfer window, during which Trent Alexander-Arnold left, and full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez – who have not impressed thus far – were signed.

After investing over £450m in new players, many believe that the influx of signings has led to their inconsistent and disjointed performance.

It remains unclear whether further significant spending will resolve the problem – however, if Bastoni lives up to expectations, Liverpool might find the expenditure completely warranted.