Roland Cutinho
Manchester United were interested in signing Inter Milan ace Nicolo Barella, with an offer close to being submitted
According to Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb (h/t the Sun), Manchester United expressed a strong interest in signing Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella this summer, and intermediaries expected that an offer would be made.
The Red Devils had planned to make significant financial investments in new midfielders during the summer transfer window. Erik ten Hag couldn’t continue relying solely on Fred, so the club made two crucial midfield signings.
Mason Mount joined from Chelsea in a high-value transfer, and Sofyan Amrabat was secured on deadline day after a prolonged pursuit, with United ultimately arranging a loan deal with Fiorentina for the Moroccan player.
United explored various midfield options during their search for new players, and the Italy press indicated their interest in a high-value target.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the English giants wanted to sign Inter midfielder Barella. It was stated that the deal involved intermediary agents, and these agents expected that a bid from United would be forthcoming.
Despite initial interest, it appears that Man United did not make an offer for the Italian star, as revealed in the Italian press. Ten Hag’s side ultimately roped in former Serie A defensive midfielder Amrabat in a deal that included an initial loan with an option to buy in 2024, potentially totalling £21.4 million.
In contrast, Barella would have been a much costlier option, possibly two to three times more expensive, considering the current high prices for midfielders. Additionally, Inter were unlikely to consider a loan deal, making a transfer even less likely.
It’s possible that the Old Trafford outfit considered the 26-year-old as an alternative to Mount, but the two players have slightly different playing styles, and even then, Barella would have come at a higher price.
The Inter star began his football journey with his hometown club Cagliari at the age of nine. Today he is considered to be amongst the best players in his role in Europe.
The 5ft 8in midfielder initially joined the Nerazzurri on loan in 2019, making the move permanent a year later, and has since become a beloved figure at the San Siro. Throughout his time at Inter, Barella has accumulated 191 appearances, scoring 20 goals and providing 44 assists.
While the experienced player would have been a key addition to United’s midfield, his signing would have consumed most of the summer transfer budget and didn’t seem very feasible.
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Perhaps the Red Devils will continue to monitor the Italian star’s progress, and who knows, they might come up with the idea of building their midfield around him in the future.
