Jamie Carragher has claimed that reported Liverpool transfer target Nicolo Barella was ‘fantastic’ in the Champions League last night.
Barella scored for Inter Milan as the Italians qualified for a first semi-final since 2010. It was his second goal of the tie against Benfica, having also bagged in last week’s first-leg.
And speaking to CBS Sports Golazo after yesterday’s games, Carragher praised the 26-year-old, and suggested that his price-tag has just increased.
“He was fantastic,” the Reds legend said of Barella. “There’s talk of him actually being linked to my club Liverpool for next season. So I think that’s another £10m we may have to pay on top of the price-tag – if it does happen.”
The Italy international hadn’t been having a great season, but has come up big for his team when it matters. It will take a monumental effort for Liverpool to bring him in.
Barella threatens to price Liverpool out again
Barella has often been linked with a move to Liverpool over recent years – including recently. However, it has never felt especially likely to happen.
That’s partly down to the historic irregularity of Italians leaving their country’s top sides for other shores. But it’s also a little to do with the Inter man’s price-tag.
At his most attractive – last summer or even the summer before – Barella has been said to be valued as highly as £70m. That’s too high for Liverpool, you feel.
Recent reports have claimed that this valuation is now a little fantastical, though. Due to his less than stellar season and Inter’s need to balance the books, there have been suggestions that he could cost a relatively low £44m. For that kind of price, Liverpool should definitely be interested.
Scepticism should remain, though. As he showed last night, Barella remains one of Simone Inzaghi’s most important players. Inter will be aware of the value of such high-profile showings in the Champions League and he could yet have a big say in the semi, or even the final of the competition.
If the former Cagliari man can do that, then Liverpool will probably be priced out again. There have been some legitimate links to Barella as an option this summer, but we just can’t see it happening. Sorry, Carra!