MILAN – The potential transfer of Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni to FC Barcelona is gaining momentum, fueled not only by the player’s desire to move to Catalonia but also by Inter’s increasingly urgent need to reshape its finances. The Serie A club, currently under the ownership of Oaktree Capital Management, is reportedly prepared to consider offers for one of its key players to bolster its financial position and fund future squad improvements.
The situation at Inter has shifted significantly since Oaktree assumed control in 2024, following the previous owner Steve Zhang’s failure to repay a substantial €400 million loan. Oaktree has prioritized financial stability, carefully balancing incomings and outgoings. However, a major sale – and Bastoni has emerged as the most likely candidate – is now seen as crucial to enabling a more ambitious transfer strategy.
According to reports in Italy, Inter has already effectively written down Bastoni’s value on its books. Signed from Atalanta in 2017 for approximately €30 million, Bastoni’s current accounting value is now just €2.6 million as of June. A sale for a reported €60 million would generate a profit exceeding €57 million for Inter, significantly improving their financial standing and providing crucial “fair play” allowance for future acquisitions. Beyond the transfer fee, Inter would also save roughly €11.5 million annually by removing Bastoni’s salary from the wage bill, further enhancing their financial flexibility.
The financial pressures facing Inter aren’t the only factor at play. Even as Bastoni remains a vital component of the team’s defense, the club is reportedly open to exploring offers, even potentially initiating an auction involving Premier League clubs to maximize the return. This willingness to part with a cornerstone player underscores the severity of the financial situation and the strategic importance of a significant sale.
Bastoni himself appears receptive to a move to Barcelona. Despite previous interest from English clubs, the Italian international has consistently indicated a preference for joining the Catalan giants should he leave Inter. He has reportedly aligned himself with Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, who has been actively pursuing the defender since December, establishing a clear line of communication and conveying Barcelona’s strong interest.
Barcelona’s pursuit of Bastoni is driven by a need to strengthen their backline. The club views the 26-year-old – born April 13, 1999, in Casalmaggiore, Italy – as a key target to solidify their defensive options. Bastoni, who currently wears the number 95 for Inter, has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the world, known for his tackling, strength, passing range, and versatility. He has also been a regular feature for the Italian national team, earning 41 caps as of November 2025.
However, the potential departure of Bastoni isn’t without its complications. Losing a player of his caliber would undoubtedly weaken Inter’s defense, and the club is acutely aware of this risk. The debate within the ownership group centers on balancing the financial benefits of a sale against the sporting implications of losing a key player. Currently, the financial considerations appear to be gaining traction.
The negotiations between Inter and Barcelona are expected to focus on the structure of the deal. A combination of a fixed transfer fee and the inclusion of Barcelona players in a swap arrangement is anticipated. Deco and Barcelona are actively working to finalize the details, and the situation appears to be progressing positively.
Bastoni’s recent form has been a subject of scrutiny in Italy, with some criticism following a controversial red card incident involving AC Milan’s Pierre Kalulu during the Derby d’Italia. Bastoni apologized for his reaction after the sending-off, acknowledging he “exaggerated the fall” to try and win a foul. Despite the controversy, he remains a highly sought-after defender, and his market value remains substantial.
The situation is further complicated by reports that Bastoni has been targeted with boos from some sections of Serie A fans, a factor that, according to one report, could be a key driver in his willingness to consider a move away from Italy. He has played over 300 professional matches, and the recent negative attention has been unsettling.
For Barcelona, securing Bastoni would represent a significant coup, bolstering their defensive options and adding a world-class talent to their squad. The club has been carefully monitoring the situation for months, and Deco’s proactive approach has positioned them favorably in the negotiations. The next step will be to finalize the financial terms of the deal and agree on any potential player exchanges.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Bastoni’s future. With Inter prioritizing financial stability and Barcelona eager to strengthen their defense, all signs point towards a potential transfer. The next confirmed checkpoint is likely to be further developments in negotiations between the two clubs, with a potential agreement expected before the start of the summer transfer window.
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