Liverpool are preparing for life without influential defender Virgil Van Dijk. It is an open secret that Liverpool’s recruitment team is heavily focused on future-proofing their defensive line. DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON & With Ibrahima Konaté’s long-term future remaining slightly uncertain and the legendary Virgil van Dijk entering the twilight years of his brilliant career, finding elite reinforcements at the back is an absolute necessity. According to Football Insider, the Reds have aggressively narrowed their search, drafting a highly ambitious shortlist that features two of Europe’s absolute best left-footed centre-backs: Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck. Liverpool start search for Van Dijk’s replacement This image cannot be rendered on this page If this message persists, please contact support@smartframe.io quoting 15YAQABO7WYT384M. Slot’s possession-heavy system heavily relies on building out from the back with quick, precise passing under high pressure. Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a to your favourites list for news you can trust Having a naturally left-footed centre-back is considered the ultimate tactical luxury these days. While cheaper domestic options have been floated around, Bastoni and Schlotterbeck represent genuine, marquee additions designed to keep Liverpool firmly at the top of the English game. Bastoni is widely regarded as one of the most complete, elegant ball-playing defenders on the planet. At Inter Milan, he has developed into an absolute anchor, famous for his ice-cold composure, elite long-range passing, and brilliant ability to comfortably carry the ball out of tight spaces.