Liverpool told to fork out £70million to land Euro 2020-winning Jude Bellingham alternative

Italian superstar Nicolo Barella to cost Liverpool £70 million

According to Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t The Mirror), Liverpool will need to cough up £70 million to land Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Azzurri international is one of the most dynamic midfielders in Serie A and is a consistent performer at the Giuseppe Meazza. He starred for Italy at Euro 2020 where they triumphed over England at Wembley to land the crown.

Full of energy and with an eye for goal, Barella is exactly what Liverpool are missing in their midfield. He is a far cry from the passivity and static nature that emboldens what was once the engine room for Jurgen Klopp’s relentless juggernauts.

The likes of Jordan Henderson and James Milner are not getting younger while Naby Keita looks to be on his way out. Fabinho has seen his form sink faster than the titanic while Curtis Jones has all but fallen off. Stefan Bajcetic is one for the future and will need more experienced heads around him in the coming years.

A midfield revamp next summer looks all but inevitable as Klopp continues to rebuild his squad. Jude Bellingham remains the top target but Liverpool will need more than just the Englishman to shore up their roster.

Inter Milan are in no hurry to sell Barella. The Nerazzurri will ask for top dollar in the tune of £70m for their star man. Meeting it should make Barella one of Liverpool’s most expensive signings ever.

At 26, the Italian ace is in the prime of his career. Good with the ball and capable of making forward forays, he should link up well with the Reds’ forwards. Add to it his high-energy performances and prowess on the set pieces, it is clear to see he would be an asset at Anfield.

Klopp has been vocal in the past as to just how much he admires Barella. It could very well prove to be a sign that the German is ready to make his move for one of Europe’s top midfielders.

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Barella’s contract with Inter Milan runs until 2026, handing the Italians the advantage in negotiations. However, the Reds cannot afford to dilly-dally and must land their top[ targets this summer at the earliest. Not doing so would undo much of the good work done over the last few years.