‘Concrete’ Liverpool move due in ‘next few days’ as journalist reveals Klopp determination to seal €75m deal for world-class star
Liverpool are ‘formalising internally’ their plans to bid for Nicolo Barella as they move forward with their efforts to make a second signing of the summer at Anfield.
The Merseysiders had a season to forget in 2022/23. Finishing in fifth place in the Premier League, they also saw their trophy hopes crash and burn early in the campaign. As a result, plans are underway to seriously strengthen their squad and ensure they are back challenging for the top honours again next season.
Boss Jurgen Klopp has made no secrets of his desire to strengthen in midfield. And after deeming Jude Bellingham too expensive, the Reds have made it their mission to seal up to three new additions in the engine room.
And they have made no room in their squad for those additions with a number of senior players departing. To that end, Naby Keita has signed for Werder Bremen as a free agent, while James Milner has moved south to Brighton.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be the next to be fixed up with his deal at Anfield expiring on Friday.
As a result, Klopp is looking to replace all three with a triple midfield coup this summer. Signing No 1 is already through the door in the form of Alexis Mac Allister. Now Klopp is hell bent on adding Barella in what may prove their biggest deal of the summer.
The 26-year-old star is regarded as one of the game’s elite midfielders. The Inter Milan star enjoyed a spectacular season as he helped his side reach the Champions League final.
READ MORE: The 64 midfielders Liverpool have been linked with in the transfer gossip columns: Barella, Veiga…
Liverpool prep mammoth offer for Nicolo Barella
And while he could not prevent all-conquering Manchester City from completing the Treble, plenty would argue the Nerazzurri would not have made it to the Istanbul showpiece without his efforts.
Indeed, Barella contributed nine goals and 10 assists from 52 appearances across the season. As a result, Inter value the 45-times capped Italy star in the €75m bracket.
However, it seems that valuation will not be enough to dissuade Liverpool making an approach.
And with Klopp determined to get his hands on the player, reports in Italy claim Liverpool are now finalising a first formal approach.
To that end, il Gazzetta dello Sport claims Liverpool are ready to double the player’s wages.
Furthermore, journalist Rudy Galetti has taken to Twitter to confirm the Reds’ intentions.
He claims Liverpool are ‘internally evaluating’ whether to make a ‘concrete move (bid)’ in the next few days.
And while he admits that Inter are determined to hang on to the player, a major Liverpool approach will seriously test their resolve.
The Italian giants need to sell some stars to both balance the books and help with their own rebuilding. And while Barella is one star they would like to keep, a mammoth offer could leave them with little option.
Inter coach unhappy at planned sales
The Nerazzurri are keen to bring Romelu Lukaku back to the club in a permanent deal from Chelsea. And in order to raise funds, they are willing to let a number of fringe players leave.
Another of their top stars, Andre Onana, is also in high demand with a move to Manchester United immiment. His sale though has reportedly upset boss Simone Inzaghi. And his mood is unlikely to be helped if the club also cashes in on Barella.
His qualities though would undoubtedly be welcomed by Liverpool with Klopp looking to add more of a goal threat from his midfield. In Mac Allister and potentially also Barella, Liverpool would very much have that.
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