LFC “internally evaluating” imminent bid after offer to double Nicolo Barella's wages to £308k/week

Liverpool are "internally evaluating" making an offer for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, according to reports from Italy.

The 26-year-old is one of the most exciting names linked with making the switch to Anfield this summer. While he did not win the Champions League last season, Barella was instrumental in helping his side reach the final.

After missing out on signing Jude Bellingham, the only player that I have been desperate to see Liverpool sign is Barella. He is tailormade to play on the right-hand side of Klopp's midfield.

So what's the story?

Liverpool are internally discussing making a bid for Barella

In mid-June, Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, reported that Liverpool had offered to double Barella's wages to convince him to move to Anfield.

With Inter Milan already paying him £154,000/week, this would see Barella earn £308,000/week - a total of £16M per year. Given the frugality that has characterised FSG's tenure as Liverpool custodians, I must say I doubt that's likely.

However, an update has emerged from Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, who claims that Liverpool are "internally evaluating" making a bid for Barella "in the next days".

He adds that Inter Milan have long since made it clear that the Euro 2020 champion is considered "non-transferable."

Of course, money talks in football and with £80M being his reported market value, it will be interesting to see if Inter's stance changes if Liverpool (or another club) actually makes a satisfactory bid.

Should Liverpool spend £80M on signing Barella?

In my eyes, Barella is an £80M player. He's got it all. After Liverpool signed Thiago, I have been hoping Liverpool might sign more technical midfielders to transition towards a more clinical, possession-based build-up approach.

Barella is just the sort of player that could take Liverpool to another level. If he was at right central midfield with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold at right wing and right back, you would be hard pressed to find a better right flank in European football.

That's how good Barella is. Of course, Liverpool are also investigating a deal to sign Dominik Szoboszlai but with the Reds working against the clock, it remains to be seen if they pursue him further.