Liverpool are currently in intense competition to sign the ‘world-class’ star, with FSG keeping an eye on any signings in the summer transfer window.
Reds considering signing new centre-back
Manager Arne Slott recently revealed that he hopes Ibrahima Konate will choose to sign a new contract, but the defender’s current contract is due to expire at the end of the season and the manager confirmed that negotiations are currently underway.
Slott said: “We are negotiating with him, so we know what we want. Obviously we want him to stay, but the negotiations are ongoing, so let’s see where it ends. If we don’t want him to stay, we won’t negotiate.”
However, even if Konate chooses to extend his stay at Anfield, the Reds may need to bring in a new centre-back this summer, given that Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez’s current contracts are due to end in 2027.
Of course, Van Dijk in particular has been a great servant, making 358 appearances since joining from Southampton, but the captain is set to turn 35 in the summer and a young centre-back is now a target.
This comes as Caught Offside reports that Liverpool are currently considering a move for Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni, with FSG aiming to sign a statement of intent, but they will have to beat out stiff competition for his signature.
Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Barcelona are also said to be interested in the Italian, and given that Inter are expected to hold on for up to €100m (approximately £88m), it could take a hefty fee to lure Inter into a sale.
Inter are working to extend Bastoni’s contract until 2030, with his current deal set to expire in 2028, meaning they will still be in a good negotiating position this summer.
‘World class’ Bastoni could be an exciting successor to Van Dijk
Van Dijk remains important for Slott, having played more Premier League minutes this season than any other Liverpool player, with 2,520 minutes, but given his age, the manager needs to start thinking about a long-term replacement.
The Inter Milan defender could be up to the task, given that he has been described as ‘world class’ by journalist Matteo Bonetti, shares some similar qualities with Van Dijk, and has particularly impressive passing abilities in Serie A this season.
Key statistics for this season (League only) | virgil van dijk | Alessandro Bastoni |
Average match rating (FotMob) | 7.26 | 7.55 |
Exact pass per 90 | 68.5 | 63.2 |
Accurate long ball around 90 | 4.3 | 4.9 |
Both centre-backs are ranked among the best centre-backs in the world, with the Liverpool captain poached by his fellow Premier League star for the top spot.
Bastoni could be Van Dijk’s long-term successor and, at just 26 years old, should still have many years of playing time at the top level.
