Nicolo Barella is among the leading candidates to replace Samir Handanovic as Inter Milan captain next summer, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, amid interest from Liverpool.
The Nerazzurri awarded Handanovic the armband in 2019 after stripping Mauro Icardi of the honour. As Sky Sports reported at the time, some of Icardi’s then-teammates no longer viewed the Argentine as a leader whilst his agent and wife discussed his contract on TV.
Inter are now beginning to put plans in place to move the armband on from Handanovic in 2022. The goalkeeper is out of contract next summer but is yet to be offered a new deal, which would extend the 37-year-old’s time at the San Siro into an 11th season.
Inter’s consideration of Barella’s status comes amid reports from the Daily Mail that he is considering his future over concerns they will not be as competitive next season. Liverpool have also pondered a €70m (£60m) bid to prise Barella away from Inter, per La Repubblica.
But Barella and Milan Skriniar are now among the leading contenders to replace Handanovic as Inter captain from next summer. The Serie A champions admire Barella’s increasing maturity, as his impulsiveness could often be his downfall in the past.
Barella has also taken a big leap in his overall development since joining Inter from Cagliari on an initial loan. He was one of the leading protagonists of Italy’s Euro 2020 title success, after helping guide Inter to the Scudetto.
The Inter hierarchy will now pay close attention to how Barella responds to the departures of Achraf Hakimi and Romelu Lukaku as they weigh up the next Nerazzurri captain. Barella formed a strong relationship with Hakimi and will look to find that with Denzel Dumfries.
Inter moving to deny Liverpool a Kante 2.0 by making Barella captain?
Liverpool will also pay close attention to Inter Milan’s search for a new captain amid their pursuit of Barella. The Italian is the Concertmaster of the Nerazzurri engine room, and his evolving maturity could make him an ideal leader.
Barella’s agent will also likely discuss the armband in talks with Inter over a new contract for the Liverpool target. Gazzetta dello Sport recently reported the San Siro outfit plan to speak with his representatives over a pay rise. Likely thwarting the Reds’ pursuit if he signs.
Jurgen Klopp would no doubt adore having a player of Barella’s quality dictate Liverpool’s midfield if he ever leaves Inter. Jurgen Klinsmann speaks very highly of the Italian maestro, having told Corriere della Sera in June:
“He has the same function as [Chelsea midfielder N’Golo] Kante – but the Inter player is in the development phase. The Frenchman already has experience and has won everything.”
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