Liverpool are set to renovate their squad this summer after a difficult season and one impressive midfielder has been heavily scouted
(Image credit: Getty)
Liverpool's massive rebuild this summer could begin with an €80 million midfielder – and not Jude Bellingham.
The Reds' poor season continued with yet more disappointment at the weekend, dropping another two points in a goalless draw at Crystal Palace. Liverpool are nine points off fourth spot in the league and clinging to life in the Champions League after a 5-2 drubbing at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League last-16 first leg last week.
Jude Bellingham isn't the only midfielder on Liverpool's wishlist (Image credit: Getty)
Italian source Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Inter Milan talisman Nicolo Barella has been "followed for some time" by Liverpool scouts Paul Goldrick and Barry Hunter, ahead of this summer's rebuild.
Now 26, Barella has been at the San Siro since 2020 and has established himself as one of the very best midfielders in Italy, capable of operating in a midfield pairing or in a three. He is thought, however to have a value attached to him of around €80 million.
The price may be a sticking point for Liverpool, who are expecting to fork out around £100 million for Bellingham – though outgoings should help with the rebuild.
Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all out of contract at the end of the season, while Spanish outlet Fichajes says that Real Madrid have made contact over a move for Fabinho.
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Fabinho could leave Liverpool this summer (Image credit: James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
Liverpool are also said to be interested in the likes of Matheus Nunes, Mason Mount and Moises Caicedo.
Barella is valued at around €70 million by Transfermarkt.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
