Barcelona pull out of blockbuster defender deal after internal discussions – report | OneFootball

Barcelona have decided to completely freeze their pursuit of Alessandro Bastoni after internal discussions regarding the club’s defensive planning for next season.

According to SPORT, the transfer operation involving the Inter Milan defender has now lost momentum to the point where the player is no longer considered a priority target at Camp Nou.

For weeks, Bastoni had been viewed as one of the ideal profiles to strengthen Hansi Flick’s defensive structure. 

Reports suggest that sporting director Deco even explored different financial formulas to make a potential Barcelona transfer possible despite the club’s economic limitations.

However, the situation has now changed dramatically.

What’s the story?

Barcelona are no longer interested in Bastoni. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)

The main reason behind Barcelona stepping away from the Bastoni deal appears to be the rise of Gerard Martin. 

According to the outlet, the young defender’s recent performances as a left-sided centre-back have convinced both Flick and Deco that the club may already possess a reliable solution for that position.

As a result, Barcelona have decided not to prioritise a major investment in Bastoni this summer, even though the club will continue searching for defensive reinforcements in the transfer market.

Interestingly, the report claims that Bastoni himself was very open to the move and was attracted by the possibility of joining Barcelona. 

Inter Milan had also started monitoring alternative defensive options in anticipation of a possible departure. But the financial reality ultimately became the biggest obstacle.

Barcelona have complete faith in Gerard Martin. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Furthermore, it must be noted that the Serie A giants were demanding at least €70 million for the Italian defender, a figure Barcelona currently consider impossible to justify under their financial conditions. 

Gerard Martin is the key

One of the biggest takeaways from this development is the growing trust Flick appears to have in younger players already at the club.

Rather than spending massive money on a new defender, Barcelona are once again leaning towards internal development and tactical flexibility. 

Gerard Martin’s emergence, in that regard, has clearly altered the club’s defensive planning, especially because the youngster offers balance on the left side while understanding Barça’s positional style naturally.

For now, Barça’s priority is to maintain trust in internal solutions, avoid excessive spending, and only move for targets who are necessary.