Liverpool’s €80M Pursuit of Barella Heats Up Amidst Competition

Liverpool’s ongoing midfield overhaul may reach another level with reports suggesting their interest in Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella. According to Fichajes, the Reds have made Barella a priority target for the summer of 2025, prepared to submit a staggering €80 million (£67m) bid to secure his services. However, this pursuit isn’t without complications, as European giants Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid are all keen on the Italian midfielder, creating a high-stakes battle for his signature.

Slot Eyes Midfield Reinforcements

New Liverpool manager Arne Slot is keen to strengthen his midfield options, having already integrated players like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai into the squad. Barella, who possesses a rare blend of versatility and technical brilliance, is seen as an ideal fit for the dynamic system Slot is building at Anfield. Fichajes highlighted Slot’s admiration for Barella’s ability to play across multiple midfield roles, from a deeper No 6 position to a more creative No 8 or even further forward as a No 10.

His adaptability would bring much-needed flexibility to a Liverpool side that has occasionally struggled with depth in key positions. As per the report, Slot has been particularly impressed by Barella’s ‘technical quality’ and work rate, factors that would make him a perfect fit for the high-octane football Liverpool has become synonymous with.

Inter’s Financial Dilemma

Despite Barella’s importance to Inter Milan, financial concerns may force the Serie A club to sell one of their prized assets. Barella, 27, stands out as one of Inter’s most valuable players, and the club could be tempted to cash in if a significant offer arrives. However, while Liverpool’s reported €80 million bid is impressive, it may fall short of Inter’s €90 million (£75m) valuation. As Fichajes noted, Inter could hold out for a higher price, especially with multiple clubs circling.

The potential financial windfall from Barella’s sale would provide Inter with some breathing room as they navigate through financial difficulties. Yet, Liverpool may face stiff competition from other suitors, especially Manchester City. The Premier League champions have their own midfield issues to resolve, with Rodri sidelined by a long-term injury and Ilkay Gundogan no longer part of the squad.

City and Madrid: Stiff Competition for Barella

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City is believed to be one of the biggest threats to Liverpool’s hopes of landing Barella. According to the report, Guardiola is ‘in love’ with the midfielder’s style of play, making City a serious contender for his signature. With the recent injury crisis in their midfield, Barella could be seen as the perfect replacement for Rodri or even Matheus Nunes, with City reportedly considering a double-deal to solve their problems.

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are also in the mix, creating a highly competitive market for the Italian international. Liverpool, however, remain determined to stay ahead of their rivals and land their top target. Slot’s vision for Liverpool’s future and the club’s need to re-establish themselves as Premier League title contenders could prove decisive in convincing Barella to choose Anfield.

Statistical Analysis by Anfield Index

Barella’s Offensive Versatility

Nicolo Barella’s performance data over the last 365 days showcases his wide-ranging abilities as a midfielder. His percentile rankings, compared to other midfielders, indicate an exceptional influence in attacking phases of play. With a stunning 96th percentile in shot-creating actions, Barella excels in producing opportunities for his teammates. His ability to generate assists (77th percentile) and his combination of non-penalty expected goals and expected assisted goals (87th percentile) reinforce his attacking output.

Additionally, Barella’s non-penalty expected goals (npxG) percentile of 89 demonstrates his eye for goal and his knack for getting into high-quality scoring positions. While his actual non-penalty goals sit at a modest 64th percentile, his underlying numbers suggest he remains a potent offensive threat.

Possession Dominance in Key Areas

In possession, Barella shines with 94th percentile rankings in progressive passes and 79th percentile in progressive carries, reflecting his ability to drive play forward and create space. His successful take-ons (87th percentile) demonstrate an ability to beat opponents one-on-one, while his progressive passes received (88th percentile) underline his capacity to get into dangerous areas. These stats, pulled from Fbref, clearly depict Barella as a forward-thinking player with the technical quality to break down defences.

Defensive Contributions and Weaknesses

On the defensive side, Barella is less dominant but still reliable in key areas. His aerial duel win percentage (82nd percentile) shows surprising strength for a midfielder of his profile, though his tackling and interceptions (50th percentile) indicate he could improve defensively. His clearances (3rd percentile) and blocks (5th percentile) are notably low, suggesting that Barella operates more comfortably in advanced roles than in deeper defensive positions.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As a Liverpool fan, this potential move for Nicolo Barella is something to be excited about! At 27, Barella is in his prime, bringing experience, versatility, and a proven winning mentality to the midfield—exactly what Liverpool needs to regain its Premier League dominance. Arne Slot is clearly building a team to compete on all fronts, and adding a player of Barella’s calibre would signal serious intent for the upcoming seasons.

While Manchester City and Real Madrid are tough competitors, Liverpool’s history of attracting top talent should not be underestimated. Slot’s fast, aggressive style of football would complement Barella’s ability to drive the ball forward, while his technical prowess would elevate the midfield alongside Szoboszlai and Mac Allister. This could be a game-changer for Liverpool, especially with European competition heating up.

With Inter Milan facing financial woes, this might be the perfect time for Liverpool to strike a deal. Yes, €80 million is a huge price tag, but given what Barella offers, it’s an investment that could pay off for years to come. The prospect of a midfield trio featuring Barella, Szoboszlai, and Mac Allister should have Liverpool fans buzzing with excitement!