Liverpool Forced to Weigh 80 Million Pound Alessandro Bastoni Demand Against More Likely Move for Micky van de Ven

Liverpool face an £80m price tag for Alessandro Bastoni, making a move for Tottenham's Micky van de Ven a more likely solution for their defensive crisis.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 10, 2026, 7:08 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Football365

Defensive Attrition Forces Drastic Summer Planning

Liverpool’s current Premier League campaign has been defined by a catastrophic series of setbacks in their defensive department. After a failed move for Marc Guehi and a season ending injury to young arrival Giovanni Leoni, the Reds have struggled to maintain the form that secured them the title last season. Sitting in sixth place and battling to secure Champions League qualification, manager Arne Slot is facing the imminent departure of Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid on a free transfer. This impending vacancy has accelerated the club's search for a top tier partner for Virgil van Dijk, placing high profile targets like Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni at the top of their recruitment shortlist.

The Financial Barrier to Alessandro Bastoni

While Bastoni has emerged as a dream target for the Liverpool hierarchy, the financial reality of a deal remains daunting. Inter Milan reportedly view the Italy international as an indispensable cornerstone of their squad and are not prepared to entertain offers below the £80 million mark. Pete O’Rourke suggests that this "huge money" requirement serves as a barrier just to bring the Italian club to the negotiating table. While Barcelona is also credited with an interest in the defender, their existing financial commitments—including a permanent move for Marcus Rashford—likely leave Liverpool with a clearer path, provided they are willing to meet Inter’s aggressive valuation.

Micky van de Ven as the Practical Alternative

As the costs for Bastoni escalate, Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven has surfaced as a significantly more likely candidate for a move to Anfield. The Netherlands international is expected to seek a departure from North London following Spurs' dismal season and their ongoing fight against relegation. Unlike the complicated negotiations expected with Inter Milan, Van de Ven is seen as a player who could be acquired more easily if Tottenham’s status in the top flight continues to deteriorate. Liverpool are currently described as "leading the race" for his signature, viewing him as a younger, Premier League proven option who fits the club's long term tactical requirements.