Jamie Carragher warns Liverpool that transfer target Nicolo Barella may cost more
Jamie Carragher has warned Liverpool that transfer target Nicolo Barella may cost an extra £10m because of his heroics for Inter Milan in the Champions League.
The Italy international scored a goal each in both legs as I Nerazzurri beat SL Benfica 5-3 on aggregate to progress to the semifinals. Liverpool have been strongly linked with a move for the Italian international after pulling out of the deal to sign Jude Bellingham due to the cost involved.
Barella has been instrumental in taking Inter to the semi-final of the Champions League, where they will face city rivals AC Milan in a much-anticipated high-profile tie.
Keeping his performances in mind, here’s what Carragher said as a warning to Liverpool (h/t Liverpool Echo, via CBS Sports):
“He [Barella] was fantastic. There’s actually talk of him being linked to my club Liverpool for next season, so that’s an extra £10million we might have to pay on top of the price tag if it does happen.”
Barella’s contract with Inter runs until the summer of 2026 (Transfermarkt). A few days ago, Daily Mail reported that the 26-year-old would cost around £65m for Liverpool this summer. If we add the £10m from what Carragher said, it becomes close to £75m.
Looking at the quality and versatility of the player, it won’t be surprising if the Italian side do demand a transfer fee in that region.
Liverpool cannot keep pulling out of deals because good players are costing more than they might have imagined. If they want to rebuild the side properly, owners have to dip in their pockets and back Jurgen Klopp financially. We cannot go for second and third-choice targets all the time and hope that it works.
Barella is an exceptional box-to-box midfielder with great technical quality and an excellent work rate. He would add legs, technical capability and much more to a struggling Liverpool midfield. Whatever he costs, the club must sanction the deal if Klopp is convinced.
More Liverpool News:
- Former Red Danny Murphy urges Liverpool to end pursuit of Alexis Mac Allister
- Liverpool handed Mason Mount boost after Chelsea’s Champions League exit
- Liverpool hold talks with Tim Steidten for the vacant sporting director role
An important summer is coming for the Reds after what has happened this season. Carragher wrote in his column last week about restoring trust following the Bellingham cock-up. Can they do that?
