The rumoured Nicolo Barella transfer target for Liverpool has received the endorsement of Steven Gerrard.
In the summer transfer window, Barella has become one of the Reds’ potential additions. The Champions League semifinal last night was the ideal venue for him to demonstrate his abilities, and he was starting for Inter. According to reports from yesterday, Liverpool was at San Siro watching the 26-year-old closely from the stands.
As well as Gerrard, it would seem. The Reds veteran, who was a pundit for BT Sport last night, gushed about Barella’s recent display for Italy against England in words published by The Mirror.
The 42-year-old remarked, “He was involved in every aspect of the game against England in Naples. “He fared exceptionally well against the England midfield of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham. He is also in good health and entering the peak of his life. Peter Crouch, a different ex-Liverpool player, also hailed the Inter midfielder.
“He was essential in the matches against Benfica [in the Champions League quarterfinal].” He has excellent feet, is tough, and is a competent tackler. He was the key in the opening game. There are a tonne of fans, with Liverpool being one at the moment, according to Crouch.
Barella removes himself from Liverpool’s grasp.
In a logical world, Liverpool supporters might choose to forget that Barella will soon join Jurgen Klopp’s team. He is of utmost importance to Inter, as he demonstrated last night. Why would the Italians sell him if he supposedly doesn’t want to go?
Additionally, rumours from yesterday imply that Liverpool and Inter place quite different values on Barella. Inter reportedly wants at least £70 million, while the Reds are reportedly willing to pay £50 million to acquire him.
That £20 million difference is significant because Liverpool has to conduct a lot of business this off-season.
In our opinion, Barella is priceless. Gerrard is obviously a fan because he has previously mentioned the Italy international. He also plainly recognises a good midfielder when he sees one. He is already entering his prime and would be a natural starter for Liverpool, as Stevie points out.
That might be a crucial element for the Reds as they attempt to start strong the next year. Whatever the case, they will need to integrate a few new players at the beginning of the campaign. A more seasoned mind in the room might make that process go more rapidly.
However much Liverpool may want to sign Barella, we simply can not see it happening. He might still win the Champions League at the end of the campaign. Inter certainly appears to have a good chance of making the final after last night’s 2-0 victory over Milan.
His value can only increase if he manages to lead Inter to their first European Cup since 2010. We believe it could be best to move on from this one at this time given that he is content in Milan and that his value and money are rising. You never know, though!