Alessandro Bastoni made feelings clear on Virgil van Dijk amid Liverpool transfer links

Amid fresh links to Liverpool, Alessandro Bastoni spoke openly about Virgil van Dijk making his admiration for the Reds captain clear, as speculation on his future grows

Alessandro Bastoni has been linked with a move to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Alessandro Bastoni has spoken publicly about Virgil van Dijk amid growing speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool.

Liverpool is actively seeking defensive reinforcements after enduring a difficult season, with the Reds struggles largely stemming from a porous back line. A lack of depth has limited its ability to rotate or adjust, prompting links to several targets.

Bastoni, who at just 26 has firmly established himself as one of the world’s leading defenders at Inter Milan. Because of this, many believe the Italian would provide an ideal partner for Van Dijk. With the Dutchman already regarded as one of the world’s best, the pairing could form one of the strongest defensive partnerships globally.

Bastoni has frequently praised Van Dijk, even selecting him as the model for the ‘perfect centre-back’ by adopting the Dutchman’s positioning, highlighting the respect he has for the Liverpool star.

Bastoni has emerged as a top target for the Reds after they missed out on Marc Guehi. The 26-year-old Italy international, with two-and-a-half years left on his Inter Milan contract, is reportedly keen on testing himself abroad.

Another defender on Liverpool’s radar is Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, who is expected to move following this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

Bastoni possesses the quality to thrive in the Premier League and could be an exceptional addition to Liverpool. At the peak of his powers, he has excelled for Inter and appears ready for a new challenge, with the prospect of joining one of the world’s biggest clubs proving particularly appealing.

However, Inter Milan is unlikely to let him go easily and could demand a fee of around $93 million. As one of the top defenders in world football, securing Bastoni would come at a premium, leaving Liverpool to navigate what promises to be a complex transfer situation in the coming months.

Alessandro Bastoni has praised Virgil van Dijk(Image: getty)

The 26-year-old has made 282 appearances for Inter Milan and has two-and-a-half years left on his current contract. With seven major honours to his name, including Serie A titles in 2020/21 and 2023/24, he would attract interest from Europe’s top clubs if he indicated a desire to leave.

Alongside Liverpool, Premier League rivals Chelsea is expected to be contenders for his signature. Sources confirm that the Blues are actively seeking a new center-back to strengthen Liam Rosenior’s squad, either during this month’s transfer window or ahead of the summer, with the club reportedly pursuing a high-profile defensive addition.

Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with Bastoni in previous transfer windows.

However, the defender has sought to dampen transfer speculation, emphasizing his contentment at Inter Milan and insisting last month that he is happy to remain at the San Siro.

“Rumors about my future? These things make me proud; it means I’m doing well, but like you, I read the papers too. said Bastoni. "There’s nothing going on; I’m happy here, and I don’t have any problems. I don’t think about things outside the pitch. Will I stay at Inter? Probably yes.”