Liverpool are considering a summer transfer for Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella, with the Nerazzurri reportedly agreeing to ‘pave the way’ if their asking price is met.
What’s the latest on Nicolo Barella to Liverpool?
According to Football Insider, Barella is a ‘top target’ for the Reds as manager Jurgen Klopp seeks to strengthen his midfield unit with unwavering resolve following a disappointing campaign.
The report continues, “Inter have put a £61 million price tag on their man, and with Liverpool indeed noted as front-runners to complete a swoop, a transfer might be forthcoming.”
The 26-year-old is reportedly looking for a new football project this season after a successful run with his team, according to the Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport. Given that Manchester United is also enamored with his skill set, Klopp and company must move quickly and decisively.
The news also comes as the Reds are reportedly leading the race to sign Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, according to a report from The Daily Mail last week.
Should Liverpool acquire Nicolo Barella?
In a nutshell, yes. Getting Barella’s services would only improve Liverpool’s chances of success because rumors surrounding the Anfield club’s intrigue in negotiating a deal for the Italian have been spreading and enmeshing themselves in the rumor mill like tree roots.
While a deal to sign Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is firmly in the works, Klopp could secure an upgrade of the highest order by signing Barella, one of the most dependable and naturally talented ballplayers in Europe. Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and James Milner are all leaving this summer when their contracts expire.
Having forged 181 appearances for Inter, Barella has scored 19 goals and supplied 48 assists, winning the Scudetto, the Coppa Italia and two Italian Super Cups and hailed as a “genius” by sports editor Mike Piellucci.
The 26-year-old has been in sensational form this season, scoring eight goals and dishing out nine assists in 46 appearances across all competitions. He has been a crucial part of a dominant Champions League campaign that has Simone Inzaghi’s team within striking distance of the championship game.
In fact, Inter defeated spirited city rivals AC Milan 2-0 in the first leg of their semi-final match, with Barella orchestrating the match with a remarkable all-around performance. According to Sofascore, Barella completed 84 percent of his passes, made two key passes, three tackles, and won three of his seven ground duels, a feat that one podcaster called “unbelievable.”
The £157k-per-week gem ranks among the top 9% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for rate of goals, top 8% for rate of assists, top 8% for shot-creating actions, top 17% for progressive passes, and top 10% for progressive carries per 90, demonstrating his prowess as a supreme creative outlet.
With those statistics in mind, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that 43-cap Italy player and venerable Real Madrid legend Luka Modric are compared.
Given that the Croatian Ballon d’Or winner is among the best players to have ever played the game from the center of the park, it is encouraging for Klopp’s midfield if he is successful in his pursuit.
The 37-year-old Modric has played 482 games for Los Blancos and has been a vital part of their illustrious success, winning five Champions League trophies, three LaLiga championships, two Copa del Rey cups, among many other accolades. Spanish veteran Raul Albiol has praised him as a “monster.”
He has been an incredible cog for Madrid and Croatia, and if Barella makes a move to Anfield, he can ramp the club into “different gear”, as he was praised by presenter Jack Collins.
