Three reasons why Serie A giants could sell 26-year-old key player to Barcelona – report | OneFootball

The possible transfer of Alessandro Bastoni to FC Barcelona is gaining momentum. The Inter Milan defender has emerged as an absolute priority for the Catalans heading into the summer window.

While difficulties were expected in the operation, there seems to be a greater willingness on the Nerazzurri’s part to offload their key defender than initially anticipated.

A report from Sport Italia (h/t SPORT) brings to light the reasons behind Inter Milan’s growing openness to selling a player considered one of their key cornerstones.

Financial incentive

Bastoni’s sale would generate a significant capital gain for Inter, allowing the club to balance their accounts and gain financial flexibility ahead of the next transfer window. This has led the club’s ownership to increasingly view the operation as a strategic financial move.

The Italian club has been owned by Oaktree Capital Management since 2024, following the default of previous owner Steven Zhang on a loan of nearly €400 million.

Since then, spending has been controlled, with a focus on stabilising finances and maintaining a balance between incoming and outgoing transfers.

Now, the ownership is believed to be seeking a major sale to help reshape the squad, potentially enabling at least two significant signings. Bastoni has emerged as the primary candidate for such a move.

Accounting advantage

Barcelona’s priority target (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

According to the report, Inter have almost fully amortised Bastoni’s original transfer fee, having signed him from Atalanta in 2017 for around €30 million. By June, his remaining book value is expected to be approximately €2.6 million.

A transfer valued at €60 million would therefore generate a capital gain of over €57 million.

This would not only result in a profitable financial year but also save the club around €11.5 million in wages, further improving their financial position and increasing their capacity under financial fair play regulations.

Player preference

The main dilemma for Inter lies on the sporting side. Selling Bastoni would mean losing a key defensive leader and one of the top central defenders in world football.

However, financial considerations appear to be taking precedence, and the club are prepared to sell to the highest bidder. Interest from Premier League clubs could further increase the transfer fee.

But Bastoni’s stance on the matter could prove decisive. The defender has previously resisted offers from England and has remained committed to Inter. However, if he is to leave, he wants to choose his destination.

His priority is clear: either renew with Inter or join Barcelona. Should the club proceed with a sale, his preferred destination appears firmly set. As such, the Nerazzurri might open the doors to the defender’s transfer to Catalonia come summer.