Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool are reporetdly stepping up their pursuit of Nicolo Barella as the summer transfer window approaches.
The Italian midfielder has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, and after another standout season at Inter Milan, emerging reports suggest Liverpool see him as the perfect addition to improve their midfield.
The Inter Milan midfielder has built his reputation through consistency and intensity.
He rose through Cagliari before making his big move in 2019, and he has since developed into one of the most reliable midfielders in Europe.
Across 326 appearances for Inter, he has registered 26 goals and 62 assists.
This season alone, he has contributed a goal and eight assists in 36 matches.
Barella creates chances regularly, with 14 big chances created and 2.3 key passes per game in the league.
His passing accuracy stands at 86 percent, while his defensive work remains strong with tackles, recoveries, and duels won consistently contributing to the team’s balance.
At 29, Barella is now in his prime.
Player Club League Goals/Assists Progressive Carries Chances Created Pass Accuracy
Nicolo Barella Inter Milan 1G / 7A 42 62 88%
Federico Valverde Real Madrid 4G / 7A 119 25 91%
Bernardo Silva Manchester City 3G / 6A 94 58 89%
Bruno Guimarães Newcastle United 5G / 8A 76 54 86%
Enzo Fernández Chelsea 2G / 9A 88 51 87%
Ryan Gravenberch Liverpool 4G / 3A 65 32 89%
All statistics per 90 minutes. Source: Opta, 2025/26 season.
Reports from Interlive suggest that the club could allow several players to leave, and Barella could ‘say goodbye’ in the next transfer window.
That has alerted Liverpool FC, who are looking to strengthen their midfield regardless of Arne Slot’s long-term future.
The report read, “The Nerazzurri’s number 23 has always shown great devotion to the shirt, but the options in the transfer market are endless.”
“In England, Liverpool are relaunching their bid for him ahead of next season.”
“The Reds need midfield reinforcements, regardless of whether Arne Slot remains on the bench.”
“And Barella is considered an ideal candidate because he can combine defensive play with defensive build-up play.”
Barella is seen as an ‘ideal candidate’ to step into that role at Anfield.
However, Inter’s valuation of over €60 million is seen as high and Liverpool are therefore exploring a creative solution.
This will not be the first time Liverpool have been linked with the midfielder, as they had pursued him before he signed a new contract with Inter in 2024.
The proposed deal would include Federico Chiesa and Giovanni Leoni, with the latter expected to go out on loan.
Chiesa’s difficult spell since arriving from Juventus makes a return to Italy a realistic outcome.
If the reports are true, by putting Chiesa and Leoni on the table, Liverpool have turned speculation into a serious pursuit.
It’s a move that solves a current squad puzzle while securing future talent in one stroke.
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