'The chosen one": €80m European champion will be Van Dijk successor

Liverpool have got some impending problems to solve at centre-back. Ibrahima Konate is the most pressing issue.

The Reds’ French star is out of contract in 2026 and so far there has been no sign of a renewal.

And if sporting director Richard Hughes cannot come to an accord with the 26-year-old and his entourage then he will be leaving for free.

Liverpool have also got questions to answer over Joe Gomez. The 28-year-old England international hasn’t been at his best on the infrequent occasions he’s been chosen by Arne Slot.

With a contract expiring in 2027, he could be sold in order to generate some transfer income.

Liverpool require long-term replacement for Van Dijk

Don’t forget Virgil van Dijk either.

Arne Slot’s defensive leader is 34 now and will be out of contract in 2027. Eventually Liverpool are going to have to move on from the legendary Dutchman and 2026 could well be the year the process begins.

Although Marc Guehi was heavily pursued during last summer’s transfer window - culminating in a failed deadline day bid for the Crystal Palace captain - the England international is going to be in demand by plenty of clubs with his contract expiring.

Therefore Liverpool may well have to look elsewhere for a stand-in for Van Dijk in the long term.

€80m Bastoni is Liverpool's chosen one

And according to a new report from Fichajes in Spain, Liverpool recruiters have settled on Alessandro Bastoni as “the chosen player”.

“The chosen player to reinforce it is Alessandro Bastoni, currently with Inter Milan and one of the most promising center-backs in Europe,” the report reads.

“Liverpool FC see him as the natural successor to Virgil van Dijk and are prepared to offer around €80 million to secure his services.

“His signing would not only guarantee the club's current defensive strength, but would also secure the future of a back line that needs gradual renewal.”

Bastoni, 26, is under contract at San Siro until 2028. He has been on the books of the Italian giants since 2017 - joining from Atalanta before a loan spell with his origin club and another temporary spell at Parma.

A veteran of 40 Italian caps, he was part of the Azzurri squad which won Euro 2020 - and was last season named as the best defender in Serie A. Naturally left-sided, Bastoni currently plays on the side of a back three with his club side.

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