Liverpool are reportedly preparing a January bid for Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, a move that could reshape the club’s defensive plans and cast doubt over Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi’s anticipated arrival.
Liverpool’s Defensive Shake-Up
Guehi, 25, is in the final year of his contract and had seemed set to join Liverpool next summer.
Earlier this year, he even underwent a medical at Anfield, only for the transfer to collapse as Palace failed to secure a replacement.
With Ibrahima Konate expected to depart for Real Madrid at the end of the season, Guehi was projected to step into Liverpool’s starting XI.
However, the reported interest in Bastoni, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, may change those plans.
The 26-year-old Italian has been a mainstay at Inter Milan since joining in 2017, making over 275 appearances, including 20 this season.
Renowned for his no-nonsense defending, Bastoni excels in one-on-one and aerial duels, drawing comparisons to Virgil van Dijk and Gabriel.
A successful £83m bid would make Bastoni the Premier League’s most expensive defender, surpassing Manchester United’s £80m signing of Harry Maguire.
Implications for Marc Guehi at Liverpool
Liverpool’s potential Bastoni signing introduces uncertainty for Guehi.
Bastoni could either pair with Van Dijk for the long term or replace Konate, potentially limiting Guehi’s immediate role at Anfield.
