Virgil Van Dijk
Liverpool have seen some major changes in their squad in recent years, and 2027 looks set to be no different at Anfield.
In 2025, it was Trent Alexander-Arnold who departed the club for Real Madrid, with the club having just secured their 20th English league title under Arne Slot. A tumultuous year saw the team finish fifth last season, and that also saw Slot, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate, and Curtis Jones depart during the summer.
In 2027, the club will see Virgil Van Dijk and Alisson Becker enter free agency unless a new contract is agreed between now and then, and the Merseyside club are sure to already be looking at all of their options.
Alisson was already replaced by Giorgi Mamardashvili in advance, with the Georgian expected to become number one once the Brazil star departs Anfield, but Van Dijk's situation is far more complicated.
The Netherlands star is still the captain of Liverpool and the first-choice central defender, but he is now 35 years old and is understandably past his best years, despite his excellent performances.
Liverpool cannot afford to let him leave without being replaced by a ready-made star, and that has seen the club begin to look at potential options for next season now, to ensure they are well-placed for any decision that needs to be made.
One name who has been historically linked with a move to Anfield is Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni, and it's clear that he would be the perfect option to come in as the replacement for Van Dijk.
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have already done some work on getting a deal for Bastoni done, and while the Serie A champions have no interest in selling him, they are also open to doing a deal for the right price - which they believe is around £70m.
Chelsea and Man City are also showing an interest in the 27-year-old, but if Liverpool want to ensure that they get the best possible replacement for their captain and defensive legend, then they must go all-out to get their man.
Type a player name in the box below to reveal each answer
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
Bastoni is Perfect Van Dijk Replacement
REUTERS/Matteo Ciambelli
Playing as the left centre-back in a back three, Bastoni has got brilliant qualities in possession with his passing, but he is also one of the best in the world defensively. Aerially, he is strong; he is quick, he can hold his own in one-against-one situations, he reads the game brilliantly, and he is a leader.
On top of that, Bastoni has quality and the experience of playing at the very highest level, having won the European Championships with Italy in 2024, and reaching two Champions League finals with Inter against Man City and PSG in recent years.
£70m for a centre-back is big money. There is no denying that. But £75m for Van Dijk was big money too, and he turned into a symbol of the successful era that Liverpool went on to have, and nobody talks about his price anymore. Bastoni could have a similar impact, and be just as good for Liverpool if he joins.
It's a no-brainer for Liverpool, and they should be getting the wheels in motion for any potential move well in advance of the summer to get ahead in the race, or risk being left behind.