Barcelona have clearly slowed down the operation for Alessandro Bastoni, and the feeling inside the club is no longer the same. For weeks, he had been one of the strongest names to reinforce next season’s defence. Now, however, the scenario has changed significantly and the deal is much colder.
The major turn comes from Hansi Flick’s position, as the German coach no longer sees it as clearly as he did a few weeks ago. According to the information shared, Flick has growing doubts about Bastoni’s real fit. Not because of his level, but because of whether his technical profile suits the Barça he wants to build.
That nuance changes almost everything in the defensive planning for the summer market. When the coach starts doubting the tactical fit, the operation naturally loses strength. And that is exactly what is happening right now with the Inter centre-back.
Flick no longer sees it clearly
Inside the Barça coaching staff, there is a feeling that Bastoni does not fully fit the future idea. Flick wants a very specific defence, with high rhythm, aggression and quick responses in many situations. That is where real doubts have appeared over whether the Italian would be the ideal solution.
His quality and elite European experience with Inter are not being questioned. What is being discussed is whether his profile matches the current and future style. That is why the coach has already asked Deco to explore other defensive alternatives.
That detail leaves an operation that recently looked well placed in a much weaker position. Barça still value the player, but no longer as an undisputed priority for this summer. Once that happens, the margin to attack an expensive negotiation becomes much smaller.
Inter do not lower the price
The sporting doubts are joined by an even clearer economic problem. Inter are not willing to accept a fee of €50 million for their centre-back. Their real valuation would be much closer to a range between €65 million and €70 million.
That is where Barça see the operation as extremely complicated in their current context. Paying that amount for a centre-back is difficult to justify when other urgent positions still need reinforcement. Even more so if the coach is no longer pushing the signing with the same conviction.
The Italian side’s message about his contractual and sporting situation is also very firm. Inter consider him untouchable and have not even received a formal offer from Barça. That means the operation is not advanced, but directly blocked right now.
The operation is paralysed
With all these factors together, the conclusion inside the club is becoming quite clear. Bastoni’s possible move to Barça is currently paralysed and far from accelerating. Not only because of the price, but also because of the internal doubts now installed.
His name remains on the table because his level is not up for debate in the European market. But the cost, Inter’s firm position and Flick’s reservations complicate everything enormously. That is why Barça are already working on other options to avoid depending on such a blocked route.
The story is not completely broken, but it is much colder than before. If nothing changes soon, Bastoni could go from great favourite to a definitively discarded target. Right now, the message inside Barça is clear: the operation has truly slowed down.
Caution note: this situation is based on reported tactical doubts and market planning, not an official decision or statement from Barcelona or Inter.
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