Real Madrid might look to sign 25-year-old Italian international Nicolo Barella as a potential long-term successor for Luka Modric next year.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Nicolo Barella is the subject of interest from Real Madrid over a possible move in the 2023 summer transfer window. The 25-year-old Inter Milan midfielder has emerged as a potential candidate to be the long-term successor for Luka Modric.
Nicolo Barella spent his formative years with Cagliari after joining the Sardinian club as a nine-year-old in 2006. After rapidly rising through the ranks at the club, the Italian international made his debut for Gli Isolani in 2015, subsequently becoming a pivotal figure for club and country.
The 25-year-old has gone from strength to strength since moving to Inter Milan in July 2019, establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in Serie A. Barella has turned out 135 times for the Nerazzurri, chipping in with 11 goals and 34 assists. And his exploits have caught the attention of some of the most high-profile clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid.
The interest from Real Madrid stems from the advancing years of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. The Spanish giants view the 25-year-old Italian international, particularly as a long-term successor for Modric, who will turn 37 later this year and is approaching the end of his glittering career.
While Modric has signed a one-year contract extension with Real Madrid, Los Blancos will have to start phasing him out as a regular sooner rather than later. And laying down a succession plan is crucial for Real Madrid, with Barella a viable candidate to be Modric’s long-term successor.
Apart from the 25-year-old Italian international, Sandro Tonali and Jude Bellingham are also on Real Madrid’s radar over a possible move next year. Recent reports have also claimed that the Merengues are ready to break the bank to secure the services of Bellingham.
But with several other European bigwigs also keen on signing the Borussia Dortmund prodigy, Real Madrid will need to have a contingency plan. Barella is thus an option worth considering, with the UEFA Euro 2020 winner likely to be a cost-effective alternative. It will be interesting to see what Real Madrid will do in the 2023 summer transfer window.
