The ambitious plan by Joan Laporta and Barcelona to secure Alessandro Bastoni as their defensive cornerstone for next season is on the verge of collapse. Despite making the Inter Milan star their “Number One” priority, financial reality and a perceived lack of commitment from the player’s camp have left the Catalan giants in a state of deep disappointment.
Personal Terms Agreed, But Inter Stand Firm
According to reports from Sport, Barcelona had successfully reached a total agreement with Bastoni and his representative regarding personal terms. The package included a detailed structure for his salary, bonuses, and contract duration, all tailored to fit Hansi Flick’s vision for the squad.
However, the bridge between the two clubs remains wide. When Barça officials approached Inter Milan for the first time, they were met with a financial demand that currently makes the deal “mission impossible” for the Blaugrana.
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The “Silence” That Angered Deco
The core of Barcelona’s frustration lies in Bastoni’s behavior following the personal agreement. Sporting Director Deco and the board expected the Italian international to “force his way out.”
The plan was for Bastoni to:
- Publicly declare his desire to leave the San Siro.
- Exclusively prioritize a move to the Spotify Camp Nou.
This strategy was intended to pressure Inter into lowering their asking price. Instead, Bastoni and his agent have remained silent, taking no steps to facilitate the move. There is a growing sense within the Barça hierarchy that the player has not put in the “sufficient effort” required to make the dream transfer a reality.
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The Price of Excellence: €60m or Nothing
Inter Milan are not entirely closed to the idea of selling the defender this summer, but they are playing hardball. New manager Christian Chievo needs significant funds to rebuild a squad capable of European contention.
- The Price Tag: Inter have set a minimum valuation of €60 million.
- The Competition: Premier League giants Chelsea and Liverpool are reportedly lurking, ready to match the asking price.
- Barca’s Opening Bid: Barcelona’s initial offer did not exceed €50 million, a figure that was reportedly met with “derision” by the Inter board, who refused to even negotiate at that level.
Potential Swap Deals?
Desperate to bridge the gap, Barcelona are considering including players in a “cash-plus-player” exchange. However, Inter Milan remain adamant: they want the cash.
With Bastoni’s silence and Inter’s rigid stance, the Spotify Camp Nou seems further away than ever for the Italian center-back.
