Liverpool are ready to battle it out for Cagliari’s rising star, Nicolo Barella at the end of the summer, according to various reports. The likes of Juventus, Inter Milan and AS Roma are all interested in signing the 21-year-old but the Reds feel that they can secure Barella’s signature and thus, have entered the race.
The 21-year-old is currently contracted at Cagliari until June 2022 and TransferMarketWeb (h/t TEAMtalk) suggest that the midfielder will not be available for cheap.
Barella has caught the attention of a number of clubs this year after putting in some impressive performances for the Serie A club. He has made over 20 appearances in the league and has contributed with 3 goals.
Cagliari, who are currently placed 15th in the league, are keen to hold on to their prized asset, with the club’s president Tommaso Giulini suggesting that his development is not yet complete. The 21-year-old has also been compared to AS Roma midfield enforcer Radja Nainggolan.
“For us Nicolò is a modern midfielder, total, and so the midfielders at Nainggolan, those that are worth 30, 40, 50 million euros, are able to play in any role,” Giulini was quoted by ilBiancoNero.
“We think that Barella can play from play, rather there is a team that wants it just as a play. However, its growth is not yet complete. The final maturation passes playing in that role, so I hope to see it in the field just like play.”
He added: “For us, Nicolò is a modern midfielder and could be worth as much as €50million. He can play in any role. We think that Barella can become as good as anyone in his position, though his growth is not yet complete.”
Cagliari are aware that top European clubs will make their interest concrete sooner than later and therefore have named the player’s value at €50m.
Barella, who could probably be regarded as one of Italy’s brightest youngsters, is capable of playing as a central midfielder and as an attacking midfielder in an almost equal share. The Italian may not be the quickest or the strongest but he has the necessary tenacity to dominate the proceedings from the midfield.
With Emre Can’s future at Anfield in serious doubt, Klopp would be keen on strengthening his midfield in the summer. Liverpool will require a midfielder to fill the void left by Can if he leaves the club in the summer.
