Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, applauds the fans following the team's victory during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)placeholder image
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, applauds the fans following the team's victory during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Liverpool are eager to strengthen their backline over the coming transfer windows
Liverpool are expected to try their hand on the January transfer market to bolster areas in need of attention for the second half of the season.
The Reds have finally managed to steady their flight after plummeting into freefall in September. They lost six out of seven league games and fell dramatically down the table, but are now unbeaten in their last six results and have climbed up to fourth.
Liverpool have made signing a new centre-back a priority for the upcoming 2026 transfer windows. Alessandro Bastoni is one of the main names linked with a potential Anfield move, and Mick Brown believes he would be a ‘perfect’ fit for the Reds.
Liverpool target Alessandro Bastoni backed as ‘perfect’ match for the Reds
Speaking to Football Insider, the former Manchester United chief scout heaped praise on Bastoni and backed him to be a solid signing for Liverpool, should they push their interest further.
“Bastoni is somebody who I have seen a lot of over the years,” Brown said. “I’ve always been very impressed by him. He’s a typical Italian defender, takes no nonsense. My initial look at his was as a left-sided one of three.
“I didn’t think he was blessed with great pace, but he took no prisoners, used his physicality well. He would probably be perfect for a team like Liverpool in a back four, he’s left-footed, confident in possession and would be a great asset to them.
“Bastoni is the type of player that can turn an average team into a winning team because he would solidify the defence and make them tough to get at. That’s what Liverpool have struggled with this season, teams know they can get at them and their current options aren’t dealing with it.”
Will Liverpool try to sign Alessandro Bastoni in January?
As Ibrahima Konate’s contract ticks down, Liverpool are in desperate need of a reliable centre-back for their short-term plans. They are also looking for a candidate to replace Virgil van Dijk once he inevitably leaves the club.
Bastoni has been earmarked as a solid target for Liverpool. According to Fichajes, Arne Slot has communicated that his side needs a ‘reliable’ central defender with ‘experience at elite level’, which Bastoni can provide.
The Italian international is a highly-rated defender and at 26, he is still very much in his prime years as a player. While there is no doubt over the player himself, the report claims the main obstacle to overcome will be his price.
Inter value Bastoni in the €95 million region (£83m), which is no small figure to pay, especially halfway through the season. However, Liverpool reportedly ‘value’ the impact of the defender and feel it will ‘justify’ the amount of money it will cost to sign him.
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