Liverpool get transfer decision after world-record bid

Robin Bairner

Updated: 8 Nov 2025 17:52 GMT
4 min read

Liverpool have launched a world-record bid for Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni ahead of the January transfer window and have received a quick response from the Italy international.

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The Reds are ready to make Bastoni the first €100 million defender, with Arne Slot’s side reportedly willing to bid as high as €115m for the 26-year-old.

The Anfield club have been notably in the market for an additional central defender since their summer move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi fell through on Deadline Day. Their need to reinforce this position has only been increased by a serious injury to Giovanni Leoni.

Current ETV

Alessandro Bastoni

D (CL)

Inter

Alessandro Bastoni

D (CL)

Inter

ETV Range

€70.8M - €86.5M

Bastoni has emerged as a world-class target for the big-spending Premier League champions, who shattered the record for biggest spend in an individual window when they splashed out well over €400m in the summer.

With interest in the Italian also coming from Manchester United and Manchester City, the Reds have tried to anticipate their rivals by moving for Bastoni in January.

Under contract at San Siro until 2028, Inter will not allow Bastoni to leave for anything short of €115m. Anything less than that and they will not consider a sale in January. In effect, they want to make him untransferable.

Liverpool have complicated the situation by indicating that they are willing to offer this figure.

But even this might not be enough to get their man.

© IMAGO - Alessandro Bastoni, Inter Milan

Bastoni ready to turn down January Liverpool transfer

Bastoni has indicated that he is not willing to make a move in the middle of the season, Fichajes reports. He sees this as too big a risk to his current form.

The Premier League clubs interested have been told that they must either be prepared to wait until the summer at least or explore other possibilities.

Liverpool, in particular, may be reticent to do this. Although Arne Slot’s side have regained their form in recent matches, their season could hinge on having suitable cover in the middle of their defence, which is something they are perceived to be currently lacking.

As such, a big January bid for Bastoni or another central defender seems probable, but the challenge could be talking the Italian into a mid-season move at this pivotal stage of his career.

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