Liverpool are sure to be active in the transfer market this January. The Reds neglected to buy a replacement for Dejan Lovren in the summer and the decision has come back to bite them. Liverpool signing Andrea Bastoni, who they have been linked with in the past, makes more sense now that Virgil van Dijk is injured.
Virgil van Dijk injury
Liverpool face the heartbreaking prospect of a season without Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutchman was lunged at by Jordan Pickford in the Merseyside Derby, the Everton keeper somehow escaping a red card.
Virgil limped out of the game and we learned on Sunday night that he is unlikely to play again this season as he is set to undergo surgery to treat a torn ACL.
Liverpool and Andrea Bastoni
Back in March, Passione Inter was just one of a number of outlets to link Liverpool with a move for Andrea Bastoni.
The Italian centre back was signed from Atalanta for £28m as a teenager in 2017.
He has since gone on to make 35 first team appearances for Inter across two seasons, having spent one term on loan at Parma.
The youngster has also been linked with moves to Arsenal and Manchester City in the past.
Liverpool could target Andrea Bastoni
The Reds will need to sign a centre back in January. Liverpool targeting Andrea Bastoni could be an option.
He fits the bill in that he is only 21-years-old, meaning he has plenty of time to develop and gain experience.
However, the primary target should still be Dayot Upamecano given the Frenchman’s blistering pace and his performances in the Champions League.
We will need to consider a number of potential targets in January, the Reds will likely move for a young centre back with a wealth of first team experience – there aren’t that many around.
Liverpool signing Andrea Bastoni seemed nonsensical at first due to the funds necessary to bring him from Inter but the move makes plenty of sense in a world where we can’t rely on Virgil van Dijk returning to his best.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
