With the loss of Rodri for the remainder of the season Manchester City may look to sign a midfielder in January. The champions will have to make do with what they have to cover the loss of their midfield general. But if they are to sign a midfielder in January could the champions look to bring in a big name to fill the void left by Rodri’s absence? A new report indicates that it could be a possibility in a few months.
Pete O’Rourke has reported for Football Insider that Manchester City have learnt Inter Milan’s asking price for midfielder Nicolo Barella. O’Rourke reports that Inter would demand a transfer fee of at least £70 million to sell the Italian international. Furthermore, O’Rourke adds that Barella is contracted with Inter Milan until 2029. Lastly, O’Rourke reports that Inter are unlikely to sell their star midfielder in January. But he further reports that a sizable offer could tempt them to sell Barella.
Nicolo Barella is a quality player but a move to Manchester City in January appears unlikely.
There is no doubt about the quality of Nicolo Barella as a player. He has shown during his time with Inter Milan and during his international career with Italy. If Manchester City were to target a midfielder to cover for Rodri’s absence in January Barella would be almost be the ideal player to cover what Rodri offers Pep Guardiola’s squad. Albeit in a different manner as Barella is a slightly different player to City’s midfield general.
But in my opinion a Manchester City move for Barella in January appears unlikely. As Pete O’Rourke reports Inter Milan are unlikely to sell one of their prized assets in January. There is also little to indicate that Barella would leave the Serie A champions in January. So for me, the move while making sense doesn’t seem one that Manchester City could complete.
Manchester City could aim for a big name midfielder to cover the loss of Rodri in January. That is a realistic possibility. But a move Nicolo Barella does appear unlikely based on the available evidence and his status in Inter Milan’s squad.
