Nico Schlotterbeck, Alessandro Bastoni: Liverpool’s new centre-back shortlist revealed
Nico Schlotterbeck and Alessandro Bastoni are on Liverpool's shortlist for new centre-back additions as they seek to sign a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk is set to be one of the few Liverpool legends who are still at the club next season as Mo Salah and Andy Robertson prepare to move on.
He will be 35-years-old by the time the 2026-27 campaign starts, and could also leave the club when his contract expires next summer.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool have Schlotterbeck and Bastoni on their list of potential successors in his left-sided centre-back position.
It remains to be seen if Liverpool’s transfer plans will involve signing another new centre-back this summer, with Jeremy Jacquet set to officially arrive after being signed in January.
Liverpool eyeing Nico Schlotterbeck and Alessandro Bastoni ahead of summer window
Schlotterbeck recently penned a contract extension with Borussia Dortmund, but that has not ruled out an exit this summer.
Bastoni has been key to Inter Milan's Serie A triumph this season, and is regarded as one of the best in the world in his position as clubs circle to prise him from San Siro.
| Player | Nico Schlotterbeck | Alessandro Bastoni |
| Appearances | 26 | 27 |
| Clean sheets | 10 | 8 |
| Goals conceded on pitch | 27 | 21 |
| Successful pass % | 88.3% | 87.3% |
| Duels won % | 60.3% | 58.8% |
| Tackles per 90 | 1.73 | 2.10 |
| Recoveries per 90 | 5.15 | 4.03 |
Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Liverpool are interested in Goncalo Inacio, but he is not the only left-footed centre-back on their transfer shortlist right now.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "(Liverpool) have been linked with the likes of Nico Schlotterbeck, Alessandro Bastoni, similar left-sided centre backs (to Inacio).
"It's obviously an area of the team that Liverpool will have to plan for in the future with Van Dijk coming to the end of his career."
Championship clubs battle Rangers for Luca Stephenson signing
Liverpool loaned 22-year-old Stephenson out to Dundee United for a second time last summer, and he has been a real hit at Tannadice ever since.
The right-back, who came through the Reds' youth ranks, registered five goals and assists each in 29 Premiership appearances before his season was ended prematurely by a hamstring injury.
He looks set to leave Anfield permanently this summer, with sources revealing to Football Insider that Rangers are battling Championship clubs for Stephenson's signature.
The Gers have not backed up their initial interest with an official approach for his services as yet, with a move to the second tier of English football now looking more likely than ever.