Since Liverpool pulled out of the race to sign Jude Bellingham earlier this month, supporters have had to find a new object of their desires ahead of the Reds’ planned midfield revamp this summer.
A plethora of names continue to be linked with a switch to Anfield, with Liverpool plotting to sign at least two new midfielders. With the Reds compiling a lengthy transfer longlist, speculation is understandably rife.
“That Barella is not able to play is not bad for us,” the German said ahead of his side’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan last season. “He’s a really good player, a really good player and I like him a lot.
However, without such continental coffers, reports in Italy claim Inter could be forced to cash in on their prized midfielder in the summer.
The recent reversal of Juventus’ 15-point penalty for illicit transfer activity has not aided matters. The restoration of such points has seen the Old Lady climb from seventh to third in the Serie A table, and intensify the battle for Champions League qualification in Italy in the process.
Previously fifth, two points behind local-rivals AC Milan, Juventus’ restored points has dropped Inter to sixth. As things stand, such a place qualifies for the Europa Conference League play-off round, though, depending on the winners of the Coppa Italia, such a finish could still be enough for Europa League qualification.
With seven games left to play in Serie A, Inter are also two points off fourth-placed Roma, who boast a game-in-hand, five points off Juventus, and seven points off second-placed Lazio. Meanwhile, seventh-placed Atalanta, who also boast a game-in-hand, are looking to make up a five-point deficit on Barella’s side.
While Inter could still qualify for the Champions League through league position, with a two-point deficit nothing at all, they are also at risk of missing out on Europe altogether. With league clashes with the likes of Lazio, Roma, Atalanta, and runaway league-leaders Napoli remaining, their run-in is hardly the easiest.
As a result, Barella’s future is arguably up in the air. On one hand the 2020/21 Serie A champion could finish the campaign as a European champion. Yet, he could find himself lured away or even sacrificed by Inter if they find themselves in a position where they still need to raise funds.
Liverpool will continue to scout the midfielder, with Klopp and Lijnders already convinced of his talents. Whether that materialises into a transfer bid in the summer, only time will tell.