With Virgil van Dijk yet to sign a new contract, Liverpool are now reportedly willing to submit an opening offer to sign a replacement for the Dutchman as part of a £250m overhaul.
Liverpool set sights on VVD replacement
Whilst Van Dijk’s contract saga has been ongoing since the beginning of the season alongside Mohamed Salah’s and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s, it’s not until recent weeks that serious doubts have begun to set in.
The Dutchman recently had his say on the matter after Liverpool lost the Carabao Cup final, telling reporters: “Before the end of the season, there’s going to be news. I love the cub, that’s the main thing. That’s who I am.”
Related
Best signing since Van Dijk: Liverpool struck gold on £150k-p/w “leader”
He’s been one of the most transformational acquisitions in recent years for Liverpool.
That love may not result in a fresh Anfield deal, however, and recent links to the likes of Paris Saint-Germain have hardly eased the nerves of those around Merseyside. Now in March too, it seems as though it’s only a matter of time before Liverpool have their answer over their captain’s future, given the words of the central defender.
As things stand, the Reds are seemingly at least preparing for the worst, having identified a potential replacement ahead of the summer transfer window. According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now willing to offer €75m (£63m) to sign Alessandro Bastoni from Inter this summer as part of an overhaul worth a reported £250m.
Replacing Van Dijk will be no easy task, whether it’s this summer or in years to come, but Bastoni represents one of the rare few who have shown all the traits to do just that at Anfield.
The deal certainly won’t come cheap and that is to be expected if Liverpool are forced to replace one of the best centre-backs that the Premier League has ever seen this summer. With a matter of months to go until Van Dijk departs, Bastoni is undoubtedly one to watch.
“Immense” Bastoni is one to watch
Still just 25 years old, Liverpool could ease any of their defensive concerns for years to come by signing Bastoni to partner Ibrahima Konate this summer. The Inter star has thrived on the biggest stage and is among the rare few that the Reds should turn towards if Van Dijk departs this summer.
|
League stats 24/25 (via FBref) |
Alessandro Bastoni |
Virgil van Dijk |
|---|---|---|
|
Starts |
27 |
29 |
|
Tackles won |
18 |
14 |
|
Aerial duels won |
38 |
89 |
|
Progressive passes |
147 |
137 |
On the ball, Bastoni has been particularly impressive – even outperforming Van Dijk when it comes to progressive passes throughout the current campaign. Meanwhile, although he has been unable to match the Dutchman’s aerial strength, he has won more tackles than the man he could be replacing this summer.
Dubbed “immense” by analyst Ben Mattinson last summer, Bastoni is undoubtedly ready for the Premier League after rising through the ranks and becoming an Inter star.
However, whether he decides to swap Italy for Liverpool and England may depend on whether Van Dijk puts pen to paper on a fresh Anfield deal this summer.
