ไทย
English
中國人
Barcelona have reportedly put the brakes on their pursuit of Inter Milan center back Alessandro Bastoni, with several factors causing the club to reconsider their approach.
Bastoni has been widely considered for nearly a year as Barcelona's primary target to bolster their backline, an area requiring significant improvement — especially if the Catalans hope to end an 11-season Champions League title drought in 2026–27.
However, reports emerging from Spain suggest that Barcelona's negotiations for Bastoni have stalled. Despite talks with the player's representatives reportedly beginning months ago, Barcelona have yet to formally approach Inter, who recently stated, "There are no situations making us believe he will leave in the summer."
Barcelona's fading interest in Bastoni may seem abrupt, but it isn't entirely surprising, with three key factors cited as the primary reasons behind the shift.
Financial Fair Play Issues
Many observers never truly believed Barcelona could sign one of the world's premier center backs, given the club's persistent financial difficulties that have hampered their transfer activity for years. That reality is indeed among the reasons the deal remains on ice.
Barcelona are still not complying with La Liga's 1:1 financial fair play rule (€1 earned for every €1 spent). While club president Joan Laporta and the broader Barcelona hierarchy are confident they will meet the regulation by the summer window, it remains unlikely the club can spend without significant restrictions.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Inter Milan are demanding approximately $81.4 million (€70 million) to consider parting with Bastoni, who has two years remaining on his contract.
That figure would make Bastoni comfortably Barcelona's most expensive signing of the decade. Until the club satisfies La Liga's financial fair play requirements, such an outlay is simply not feasible.
Even if Barcelona do eventually meet those requirements, other areas of the squad are considered more pressing priorities for reinforcement.
Need for Elite Striker
Should Barcelona find themselves in a position to make a high-profile signing this summer anywhere near Bastoni's price range, the club are prioritizing a top-tier striker to fill the gap left by the departing Robert Lewandowski.
Securing an elite center forward ranks higher on Barça's list of needs than acquiring an expensive new center back, per Marca. Given the financial hurdles the club must overcome, splashing out heavily on both positions appears unrealistic at this stage.
Just as Bastoni was seen as the ideal defensive addition, Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez is Barcelona's top candidate to succeed Lewandowski. But even if that move also fails to come together, the Blaugrana have other striking options to consider — none of which would come cheaply.
Gerard Martin's Rise
According to Mundo Deportivo, Gerard Martín's breakthrough campaign — during which he transitioned from left back to center back and established himself as Pau Cubarsí's undisputed defensive partner — has contributed to Barcelona's diminished interest in Bastoni.
The 24-year-old La Masia graduate impressed throughout the season, with his role expanding considerably as the campaign progressed. Martín's emergence doesn't necessarily rule out Barcelona pursuing defensive reinforcements, but the club may now look toward more affordable alternatives than Bastoni.
The Bastoni deal isn't entirely dead, but it no longer appears to be a priority. Several conditions would need to be met before Barcelona revive their interest — including the signing of a striker and the departure of other players, particularly defenders, to generate funds for further transfers.
For the time being, the prospect of Barcelona signing Bastoni this summer looks more remote than ever.