Liverpoo among many clubs interested in signing Nicola Barella

Liverpool are in dire need to bring in new midfielders that can make a far-laying impact on the game from the middle of the park, and while defensive midfielder is a needed priority, they are also looking at possibilities to bring in a number eight that can aid Arne Slot’s style of play at Anfield Stadium.

Merseyside Reds face stiff competition for midfielder

Nicolo Barella of Italy arrives on the pitch during an Italy training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano. — Liverpool target Barella amid competition

The Merseyside Reds have a longstanding interest in Inter Milan midfielder Nicola Barella, who has been pivotal in everything that the Blues from Milan are doing off late. However, per Fichajes, the Serie A giants are ready to sanction a departure for the 27-year-old in the 2025 transfer intervals, with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, and Real Madrid looking to sign the Italian midfielder. The report goes on to state that Inter Milan would ask for a hefty €90 million to consider any Barella departure.

Real Madrid have recently moved towards signing highly technical players, and as Florentino Perez looks to replace Toni Kroos and the ageing Luka Modric, they see Barella as an ideal candidate to fit into their midfield.

The Italian can single-handedly resolve Liverpool’s midfield problems

Liverpool remain interested in Inter Milan superstar Nicolo Barella. — One man can resolve multiple problems at L4… but is he worth it?

Barella has taken strides since joining Inter and has established himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe off late. To replicate his credentials, his current employers secured him on a new contract at the start of the year, and he still has over four years left on his contract with the Italian giants.

For Liverpool, they do need a number six that can ping passes from the middle of the park, as Arne Slot looks to compound his options in the middle of the park, and in Nicola Barella, the Reds can get a versatile profile who can play different roles in the midfield and offer a dynamic presence in the centre of the pitch. He can do about everything when called upon; Barella not only has the ability to control games but also can be a presence to break opponent attacks, and his creative technical understanding is highly underrated.

Reds could face record-breaking transfer fee for Barella

Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images) — €90 million. Deal or No Deal?

That being said, it is to be seen if Liverpool are willing to spend a hefty €90 million to sign the player. While the prospect of having him in the midfield sounds promising, the Reds need to spend smartly, with many positions needing depth and upgrades. It is quite a fee to sign the Italian, even if he changes the midfield dynamics for the Reds.

The fact that he is 27-year-old means he doesn’t have a sell-on value if Liverpool are planning with him for the next four-to-six years. Leaving that out the consideration, it is to be determined if the club can get enough value for money from his services in his stay at Anfield Stadium.

In my opinion, the Reds need to prioritise the transfer’s alignments with their long-term goals, strategy, and finances before committing to a mega money deal. Alternatively, Liverpool also hold interest in Zubimendi, who is a bit different from Barella in the offensive side of the game but can be in a calming and tempo-controlling presence for about half of that price.