Liverpool reportedly face the prospect of being priced out in their attempt to sign Nicolo Barella, the same issues that stopped the Reds from landing Jude Bellingham.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Inter Milan are demanding as much as £80m for their star midfielder, a fee that the UEFA Champions League finalists are unwilling to lower in their bid to keep Barella at the San Siro, which could throw a massive wrench in Liverpool’s plans.
Barella has emerged as a target for Jurgen Klopp’s side in recent weeks, with the 26-year-old regarded by many as one of the best midfielders in Europe. Yet Liverpool being priced out of a move puts the Reds in an identical situation to what the Merseyside giants faced with Bellingham.
The England international was Liverpool’s top target before Borussia Dortmund dramatically raised their asking price for the teenager, resulting in Real Madrid winning the race for the midfielder and leaving the Anfield side bruised and embarrassed.
Indeed, Liverpool did compensate the loss of Bellingham with the signing of Alexis Mac Allister. However, the Reds now face a similar problem with. Barella, who could now prove to be too expensive for the Premier League giants after this latest update.
Liverpool can’t repeat Bellingham failure with Barella
Liverpool dropping their interest in Bellingham was one of the key moments of the summer transfer window, and whilst Barella hasn’t been placed on as high a pedestal than the 19-year-old sensation, supporters will be hopeful that the Merseyside club don’t repeat the same mistake with the Italian.
As we know, Barella will add a lot of creative and technical quality to Liverpool’s midfield this summer, and having already been left with egg on their face over Bellingham, the Reds can’t afford to lose out on another top target due to being conservative with their finances.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
