The potential transfer of Alessandro Bastoni’s move to FC Barcelona is picking up speed. The Inter Milan defender has become a top priority for the Catalan club as the summer transfer window approaches.
While challenges were anticipated during negotiations, Inter Milan appears more willing to let go of their star defender than originally thought.
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A report from Sport Italia (h/t SPORT) outlines the reasons behind Inter’s growing willingness to part ways with a player regarded as a key asset.
Financial Incentives
Selling Bastoni would bring in a significant capital gain for Inter, aiding the club in balancing their finances and enhancing flexibility as they prepare for the next transfer window. This has encouraged the club’s ownership to view this move as a strategic financial step.
Inter has been under the ownership of Oaktree Capital Management since 2024, following the default of previous owner Steven Zhang on a loan nearing €400 million.
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Consequently, spending has been closely monitored, focusing on stabilizing finances and ensuring a manageable balance of incoming and outgoing transfers.
Currently, the ownership is believed to be looking for a major sale to help reshape the team, which could enable at least two significant acquisitions. Bastoni has emerged as the leading candidate for such a transfer.
Accounting Benefits
Bastoni has become Barcelona’s top target (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
According to the report, Inter has nearly amortized Bastoni’s original transfer fee, having acquired him from Atalanta in 2017 for around €30 million. By June, his remaining book value is expected to be around €2.6 million.
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A transfer valued at €60 million would thus produce a capital gain of over €57 million.
This would not just result in a prosperous financial year but also save the club approximately €11.5 million in wages, further enhancing their financial standing and increasing their capacity under financial fair play regulations.
Player Preferences
The main challenge for Inter lies on the sporting front. Selling Bastoni would mean losing a crucial defensive leader and one of the top central defenders in the world.
However, financial reasons seem to be taking precedence, and the club is prepared to entertain the highest bidder. Interest from Premier League teams could potentially drive up the transfer fee.
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Yet, Bastoni’s position could be pivotal. The defender has previously turned down offers from England and has remained loyal to Inter. However, if he does decide to leave, he wants to choose his next destination.
His priorities are clear: either extend his contract with Inter or join Barcelona. Should a sale be initiated, it appears that his preferred choice leans firmly towards Catalonia. Consequently, the Nerazzurri could open the door for Bastoni’s transfer to Barcelona this summer.