Manchester City have a track record when it comes to signing players from some of the top five leagues in Europe outside of England.
For instance, recent transfer windows have seen City sign players such as Jeremy Doku, Josko Gvardiol and Savinho from several sides across Europe.
Those players and the rest in Pep Guardiola’s ranks are now once again fighting to win every trophy they’re playing for, including a fifth consecutive Premier League title.
Now though, some behind-the-scenes details have emerged regarding another European star that the Citizens have previously had on their transfer radar.
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Man City listed Nicolo Barella as potential transfer target in 2023
According to a recent report from Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Txiki Begiristain had Nicolo Barella on his list of potential transfer targets ahead of City’s Champions League final clash against Inter in 2023.
After seeing the midfielder complete the full 90 minutes against the Blues in Istanbul, this was enough to convince Begiristain about the Italian’s suitability to be a part of City’s team.
The report then added that following the departure of Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona, City would have launched a move for Barella had Bernardo Silva, who is on £300k-a-week wages, also left the club that summer.
Barella is a top player
During his time at the Italian club, Barella has made 239 appearances across all competitions, bagging 23 goals and delivering 52 assists along the way.
His most recent appearance for Inter came during Wednesday’s 0-0 draw against City in the Champions League at the Etihad Stadium.
In that game, the midfielder had 67 touches of the ball and was able to make two key passes as well as one tackle and one interception.
Back in the 2023 summer transfer window, amid City’s interest in him, it was reported that Inter were not willing to sell Barella as they considered him untouchable.
The fact that Begiristain, who has helped City sign a significant number of players over the years, had Barella on his list of potential transfers shows how much he thinks of the Italian as a player.
However, this can now go down as a case of what if unless the club decides to make a move for him at some point in the future.
