Transfer Centre

Liverpool to propose Nicola Barella, Naby Keita part-exchange deal?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 20 June 2022

Liverpool to propose Barella, Keita part-exchange deal?

Liverpool are reportedly contemplating whether to propose a part-exchange deal involving Naby Keita and Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.

Liverpool are reportedly contemplating whether to make a part-exchange approach for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.

The Premier League and Champions League runners-up have enjoyed a productive summer transfer window, already signing Fabio Carvalho, Darwin Nunez and Calvin Ramsey.

Furthermore, it has been suggested that Jurgen Klopp may be prepared to make no extra incomings before the start of the 2022-23 campaign.

The German is allegedly giving thought to postponing his search for a new central midfielder until 2023, a consequence of missing out on Aurelien Tchouameni.

However, according to Calciomercatoweb, Klopp is a huge admirer of Barella and may be prepared to push ahead with a bid over the coming weeks.

Jurgen Klopp in charge of Liverpool on May 7, 2022 © Reuters

The report claims that Klopp would like Liverpool to press forward with a proposal for the Italy international at all costs having been left impressed with the 25-year-old's progression.

Barella has spent the last three campaigns at San Siro, making a total of 135 appearances in all competitions and helping Inter win the 2020-21 Serie A title.

Such is his status at the Italian giants that a deal will prove difficult, Inter said to be ready to demand in the region of €90m (£77.5m).

As it stands, Liverpool would need to make a number of player sales in order to finance such a big-money deal, something which would be helped by the sale of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

However, it is currently unclear Liverpool are prepared to part ways with the Englishman for a cut-price fee, seemingly creating a scenario where Naby Keita may be allowed to depart Anfield in part-exchange.

Naby Keita celebrates scoring with Mohamed Salah during the Premier League game between Liverpool and Huddersfield Town on April 26, 2019 © Reuters

The Guinea international has made just 46 starts in the Premier League during his four-year spell, a consequence of injury and the form of his teammates.

The 27-year-old remains an important squad member at Liverpool, but just 12 months remain on his contract, potentially making him available this summer.

Like in the case of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Klopp is unlikely to give the green light to a sale unless he is able to sign a replacement, theoretically making a part-exchange deal more appealing to Liverpool.

According to InterLive, Inter are currently unlikely to entertain such an offer, with CEO Giuseppe Marotta saying on Monday that the sale of one of the club's defenders might occur to boost their financial position.