Liverpool flop could be key to securing €60 million midfield upgrade | OneFootball

Liverpool targeting €60 million midfield upgrade

The reigning Premier League champions have played multiple matches this season with all of their available midfielders on the pitch.

That is a worrying stat, and the importance of reinforcing the midfield is something Richard Hughes will be aware of.

One of the men linked with a move to Merseyside frequently over the last few years in Nicolo Barella.

The Italian international has been a mainstay for Inter Milan since his arrival in 2020, but could be available this summer according to a report from Inter Live.

The report claims Inter will demand €60 million (~£52m) for the 29-year-old, but that Liverpool may try and work that figure down.

Barella’s age may be an issue for some supporters, but Liverpool have signed elite players slightly later into their careers before and it has worked out. Thiago is a great example.

Federico Chiesa could be key in Barella deal

One of the ways the report claims Liverpool will try and reduce Inter’s €60m asking price is by including Federico Chiesa in the deal.

The Italian has struggled to find both fitness and form since arriving at Liverpool almost two years ago, and a move back to his native Italy has long been rumoured.

Giovanni Leoni is also mentioned as a possible makeweight in the deal, but the Reds would only be willing to let the young defender leave on loan.

If the Reds could secure a meaningful discount on Barella by including Chiesa in a deal, it would be a win-win situation for everyone involved.