Nicolo Barella looks set to remain at Inter for many years to come, according to a report in the Italian media.
Corriere dello Sport’s print edition confirmed reports elsewhere today that the Nerazzurri were planning to offer the midfielder a contract extension.
Inter will need to sacrifice at least one key player before 30 June in order to balance their books, the report claimed, but it seems unlikely it will be Barella who leaves.
They have spent €37 million on Barella so far, as per their deal with Cagliari signed in 2019, with a further €12 million in bonuses which could be paid at some point, depending on the midfielder’s achievements at Inter.
Inter are due to give Cagliari another €8 million when Barella makes his 100th appearance for the club (he is on 80 at the moment), with another €4 million relating to trophies he might win.
Barella is due to return to Antonio Conte’s starting XI on Sunday when Inter visit Napoli for matchday 31 of the Serie A season.
Napoli were themselves very interested in signing Barella two summers ago, the Rome-based paper revealed, having offered Cagliari €20 million in cash plus Adam Ounas and Marko Rog.
Barella had his heart set on Inter and chose to join the Nerazzurri, and he has since become a pivotal player for the club’s present and future under Conte.
