Barcelona has set its sights on a standout Inter Milan defender to bolster its backline in the upcoming transfer window.
Barcelona’s defensive lineup could soon undergo some major changes in the wake of arguably the most disappointing defeat for the club under Flick’s management to date, and that’s without even mentioning their captain’s uncertain future at the club.
While the 25-year-old Uruguayan seems to keep coming in and out of Hansi Flick’s starting XI, he appears to have been surpassed by younger and more sure options in the broader squad.
Unless something changes, the rumors about a summer departure seem to be gaining strength, given the player has a €70 million release clause for the first 10 days of July.
While the club has been preparing itself for the possibility of this player leaving, it appears that sporting director Deco is already looking at a player who could replace him as he searches for solutions to bolster the defence.
The player being referred to here is Alessandro Bastoni, a 26-year-old Italian international currently at Inter Milan who has proved to be an effective presence at the back.
According to Fichajes, the Barcelona front office views Bastoni as the ideal successor to this player, and suggests that given his record and experience of over 200 appearances in Serie A and his assured display in Inter Milan’s suprising aggregate win over the Blaugrana (7-6), they could nab him in the summer window.
With his experience and leadership qualities, he would be a seamless fit into Flick’s system, although prising him from Inter will be difficult.
Inter’s contract until 2028 gives them a strong umbrella in negotiations with Barcelona, and they will probably expect a significant amount for the star defender.
Barcelona’s chance to buy Bastoni truly relies on them generating money, possibly by selling the current captain.
While it is certainly possible for Barcelona to procure the Italian defender, a lack of funds could complicate the move, but Deco’s interest in the Italian showcases Barcelona’s pursuit of maintaining a world-class defense.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the Blaugrana will need to find a fine line in acquiring people and roster management, with Bastoni reflecting a bold future vision.
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