Hansi Flick reportedly has doubts over Alessandro Bastoni as Barcelona talks cool

Barcelona interest in Bastoni loses momentum

Who: Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni and Barcelona, with Hansi Flick reportedly unconvinced. What: Talks linking Bastoni with a move to Barcelona have cooled in recent weeks, according to reports. When: The developments were reported around mid-May 2026. Why it matters: Barcelona have sought defensive reinforcement after defensive issues in their title-winning LaLiga campaign, and Bastoni had been mooted as a prime target; if negotiations falter, Barca must choose between alternative internal options or other signings.

Why it matters

If Barcelona cannot sign Bastoni, the club will likely rely more heavily on emerging centre-back options already at the club and reconsider their transfer strategy. The report links two practical obstacles to a move: a valuation gap with Inter and reported tactical doubts from head coach Hansi Flick about Bastoni’s suitability.

What the reports say

According to the reporting summarized by World Soccer Talk from La Gazzetta dello Sport and commentary cited via Matteo Moretto, Inter value Bastoni at about €60 million while Barcelona’s offers have been substantially lower. The same reporting suggests that negotiations have cooled because of that gap. Separately, World Soccer Talk cites that Hansi Flick is reportedly not fully convinced Bastoni would fit Barcelona’s tactical setup.

The tactical concern described in the reports is that Bastoni has flourished in a three-man defensive system at Inter, where he benefits from additional cover, and might struggle to adapt to a two-centre-back system that could expose him to Barcelona’s high press.

Barcelona's internal options emerging

World Soccer Talk's summary also references local reporting from Mundo Deportivo that Barcelona could look to homegrown alternatives. Gerard Martí has been trusted as a starter in a left-sided centre-back role alongside Pau Cubarsí, and has reportedly earned minutes and the confidence of the coaching staff. Álvaro Cortés is also mentioned as a youngster who could be included in Barcelona’s 2026–27 preseason to compete for a permanent place.

Those internal options, combined with doubts over Bastoni’s adaptation and Inter’s asking price, are presented as reasons Barcelona might not pursue a move this window and could consider allowing other defenders to move on instead.

Key points

Context and implications

Barcelona were crowned 2025–26 LaLiga champions but have been searching for defensive solidity. The club’s choices in the market — whether to pay a premium for an established defender like Bastoni or to promote from La Masia and rely on tactical adjustments — will affect their summer planning, squad composition and potential departures such as Ronald Araújo or Andreas Christensen only if the club decides to pursue those changes.

For Inter, retaining Bastoni would maintain continuity in their preferred defensive setup; for Bastoni, reports also suggest he may be close to renewing his contract with Inter, which would reduce the likelihood of a summer exit.

What happens next

Further verification is needed from primary outlets. Confirmed next steps would include official statements from Barcelona, Inter or Bastoni’s camp, any contract renewal announcements from Inter, and clear indications of Barcelona’s final transfer approach. Until then, the situation appears to have shifted away from an imminent Bastoni-to-Barcelona transfer.