According to renowned journalist Matteo Moretto, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is currently the primary obstacle preventing Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni from joining the Catalan giants this summer.
Barcelona’s Sporting Director, Deco, had identified Bastoni as his top priority to strengthen the defense. Reports even suggested that personal terms had already been agreed upon between the player and the club.
However, Flick has reportedly voiced strong opposition to the signing, effectively freezing Deco’s negotiations.
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The German manager is skeptical about whether the Italian international possesses the technical characteristics required for Barcelona’s current high-line system.
Flick is specifically seeking a left-footed defender who excels in build-up play but, more importantly, possesses the elite recovery speed necessary to handle counter-attacks—a trait he feels Bastoni has lacked in recent performances.
Financial hurdles also loom large; Inter Milan is demanding €70 million, while Barcelona’s initial valuation sits at €45 million. With Flick’s tactical “veto” now in play, the deal appears increasingly unlikely to materialize.
