Barcelona pull out of blockbuster defender deal after internal discussions - report | Barca Universal

Barcelona have frozen their pursuit of Alessandro Bastoni after reassessing defensive planning for next season. The transfer has lost momentum and Bastoni is no longer a priority target at Camp Nou. The main reason is Gerard Martin’s improved performances as a left-sided centre-back, which has convinced Hansi Flick and Deco that the club may already have a reliable solution for that role. Bastoni was reportedly open to joining Barcelona, and Deco explored financial formulas to make a deal possible despite economic limits. Inter Milan demanded at least €70 million, which Barcelona consider impossible to justify under current financial conditions. Inter also monitored alternatives in case of a departure.

"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."

"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. 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."

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