Report: Liverpool and City Interest in Inter Milan Midfielder | OneFootball

Nicolo Barella in Demand: Europe’s Elite Clubs Eye Inter Midfielder

Barella’s Growing Reputation

Nicolo Barella has emerged as one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe, with clubs like Liverpool, Atlético de Madrid, Real Madrid, and Manchester City expressing serious interest in the 27-year-old. His performances for Inter Milan have been nothing short of exceptional, particularly in matches against Manchester City, where he outshone their star midfielder Rodri. It’s no wonder that Barella’s stock has risen so dramatically. As reported by Fichajes.

The Italian midfielder’s energy, tactical awareness, and ability to control the game have made him a key figure in Inter’s success. Barella’s all-round contributions in attack and defence highlight why he is regarded as one of the best in his position, and it’s easy to see why Europe’s top clubs are keen to acquire his services.

Inter Milan’s Financial Situation

Inter Milan find themselves in a tricky financial situation, which has sparked rumours that they may be forced to sell some of their star players. However, Barella’s future is far from certain. Despite the interest from elite European clubs, Inter have no intention of letting him go without a significant offer. Having signed a new contract in January 2024, Barella is tied to the club until 2029, giving Inter a strong bargaining position.

Photo: IMAGO

The reported price tag of €90 million is a major sticking point for potential suitors. While clubs like Real Madrid see Barella as an ideal replacement for ageing stars like Toni Kroos, the question remains whether any team will be willing to meet Inter’s valuation.

Can Inter Afford to Lose Barella?

As the transfer window approaches, Inter will need to make some difficult decisions. The club’s financial struggles mean they may be tempted to offload high-value players like Barella. However, losing such a pivotal figure could hinder their ambitions on both the domestic and European fronts. Barella’s presence in midfield is instrumental to their success, and letting him leave could set Inter back significantly.

In what is becoming a fiercely competitive transfer market, Barella’s situation will be one of the major talking points over the summer. Whether Inter will hold firm or consider cashing in remains to be seen.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index

Nicolo Barella’s Elite Midfield Contribution

Nicolo Barella’s performance data over the past year showcases his unique value to Inter Milan. As illustrated in the radar chart by Fbref, Barella excels in key areas crucial to a modern midfielder. The Italian star’s statistics reflect his all-round game, blending attacking, possession, and defensive duties at an elite level.

Key Attacking and Possession Metrics

Barella’s attacking numbers stand out immediately. His Shot-Creating Actions (96th percentile) and expected assisted goals (xAG) (87th percentile) emphasise his creativity in generating scoring opportunities. He contributes with high frequency in the final third, underlined by his non-penalty expected goals (npxG) (89th percentile). These metrics position him as a pivotal offensive force, regularly driving Inter’s play forward.

In possession, Barella continues to impress. His progressive passes (94th percentile) and progressive carries (79th percentile) highlight his importance in advancing play from deeper positions. Coupled with an impressive 88% pass completion rate, it’s clear Barella thrives when moving the ball forward and sustaining attacking momentum.

Defensive Contribution and Areas for Improvement

Defensively, the stats reveal an intriguing picture. While Barella’s ability to win aerial duels (82nd percentile) is notable for his stature, other defensive areas leave room for improvement. His tackles and interceptions (50th percentile) and percentage of dribblers tackled (5th percentile) suggest a player more effective at controlling possession than breaking up play. Inter’s system likely accommodates his focus on offensive contributions, but this might be an area for development if he transitions to a more balanced role in the future.