Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, 26, was a major target of interest from Newcastle United during the last summer transfer window. Corriere dello Sport (via SportWitness) says that the Magpies were interested in signing Barella, but the deal fell through owing to the player’s lack of enthusiasm for the transfer and Inter Milan’s unwillingness to sell.
Newcastle, led by Eddie Howe, had an excellent season, finishing in the Premier League’s top four and qualifying for the Champions League. For the impending difficulties, Howe was adamant about bolstering his team. he set his sights on acquiring a world-class midfielder who could contribute in both local and European games.
The signing of Barella was high on Newcastle’s want list because of his stellar performance for Inter Milan the year before and the part he played in the club’s successful run in the Champions League. As a result of his play, a number of teams took notice, but only Newcastle made an overt attempt to recruit him.
Discussions about a possible move were launched by the club with both Barella and Inter Milan. However, the player and the club flatly rejected Newcastle’s offer, showing no wish to split ways. In the end, Newcastle’s pursuit of the Ballon d’Or finalist was fruitless, as the club instead signed Sandro Tonali from AC Milan.
Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, 26, was a major target of interest from Newcastle United
Since Inter Milan was unable to budge on their decision to keep Nicolo Barella, Newcastle was able to sign Sandro Tonali from his boyhood club, AC Milan, for a fraction of what it would have cost Inter Milan.
The pursuit of Nicolo Barella by Newcastle United ended in failure owing to the player’s unwillingness to leave Inter Milan and Inter’s desperation to keep him. This transfer drama shows the difficulty clubs have in signing star players, particularly those who are crucial to their present squads.
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However, the fact that they can sign players like Sandro Tonali shows that Newcastle is serious about improving their team and competing at the top level. With Tonali in the fold, the club’s midfield now has the depth and talent necessary to compete successfully in the Premier League and the Champions League.
Even though they were unable to sign Nicolo Barella, Newcastle United remained focused on winning towards the end of the summer window.
