Liverpool report: €80m Serie A midfielder is on Reds list, as huge rebuild begins

Liverpool are set to renovate their squad this summer after a difficult season and one impressive midfielder has been heavily scouted

Posted Tuesday, February 28, 2023 by fourfourtwo.com

Liverpool's massive rebuild this summer could begin with an €80 million midfielder – and not Jude Bellingham.

The Reds' poor season continued with yet more disappointment at the weekend, dropping another two points in a goalless draw at Crystal Palace. Liverpool are nine points off fourth spot in the league and clinging to life in the Champions League after a 5-2 drubbing at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League last-16 first leg last week.

Big changes are expected this summer but transfer guru Fabrizio Romano(opens in new tab) insists that the Reds are targeting at least two midfielders(opens in new tab) this summer.

Italian source Gazzetta dello Sport(opens in new tab) claims that Inter Milan talisman Nicolo Barella has been "followed for some time" by Liverpool scouts Paul Goldrick and Barry Hunter, ahead of this summer's rebuild.

Now 26, Barella has been at the San Siro since 2020 and has established himself as one of the very best midfielders in Italy, capable of operating in a midfield pairing or in a three. He is thought, however to have a value attached to him of around €80 million.

The price may be a sticking point for Liverpool, who are expecting to fork out around £100 million for Bellingham – though outgoings should help with the rebuild.

Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all out of contract at the end of the season, while Spanish outlet Fichajes(opens in new tab) says that Real Madrid have made contact over a move for Fabinho.

Liverpool are also said to be interested in the likes of Matheus Nunes, Mason Mount and Moises Caicedo.

Barella is valued at around €70 million by Transfermarkt(opens in new tab).