Liverpool are looking to sign a new centre-back this summer after Ibrahima Konate’s departure from the club was confirmed.
Konate has left Anfield and is expected to join Real Madrid when his Liverpool contract expires.
The French defender has been an important part of Liverpool’s defence in recent seasons. He played alongside Virgil van Dijk under both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.
However, Konate has also struggled with consistency at times. Liverpool may already have been considering a new centre-back this summer, but his exit has made the position an even bigger priority.
The Reds also have Jeremy Jacquet arriving this summer after signing him in January. However, it is still unclear whether he will immediately become a regular starter.
According to Sports Boom, Liverpool have identified Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni as their ideal replacement for Konate.
Liverpool reportedly believe Bastoni could be open to a new challenge after spending his whole career in Italy so far.
The report claims Bastoni is interested in testing himself in England, which could give Liverpool a chance to make a move.
However, signing him would not be easy. Bastoni is expected to cost more than £70 million, and Inter Milan want to keep him this summer.
Liverpool are now expected to test Inter’s position as they prepare a possible move for the Italian defender.
Bastoni could be a strong option for Liverpool for several reasons.
The Inter defender has previously been described as one of the best defenders in the world and is widely seen as an elite centre-back.
He is also left-footed, which could give Liverpool more balance in defence alongside Van Dijk.
Liverpool have not had many left-footed centre-back options in recent years, and that could make Bastoni an attractive target.
Bastoni is comfortable on the ball, strong in challenges and powerful defensively. Because of that, he could be seen not only as a replacement for Konate, but also as a possible upgrade.
