Experienced Italian defender open to Barcelona move but wants Hansi Flick’s assurances

Experienced Italian defender open to Barcelona move but wants Hansi Flick’s assurances Alessandro Bastoni remains a potential option for Barcelona as the Catalan club considers reinforcing its central defence , but any attempt to bring the Inter Milan defender to Camp Nou could hinge on a conversation with Hansi Flick.  According to Mundo Deportivo , the 27-year-old Italian is still willing to listen to an approach from Barça despite the disappointment he experienced during last summer’s transfer discussions. Bastoni was previously identified as a priority target by Barcelona’s sporting department, with Deco particularly keen to secure his services.  However, the situation changed when Flick decided against making the defender a priority.  Months later, however, Barcelona’s interest could return, although the circumstances surrounding a possible transfer have also changed. Barcelona could revive their interest in Bastoni Barcelona’s need for an experienced central defender was already clear last season.  The sporting department wanted a left-footed centre-back capable of strengthening the defensive options, prompting Deco to explore a deal for Bastoni. The sporting director managed to reach an agreement with the Italian defender until 2031, although the move remained dependent on Flick’s approval.  Alessandro Bastoni is open to listening to Barcelona. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images) The German coach ultimately did not give the green light, having opted to convert Gerard Martin into a centre-back while prioritising reinforcements in other areas of the squad. That decision brought Barcelona’s pursuit to a halt. However, with the club once again considering defensive reinforcements, Bastoni’s name has returned to the discussion. Bastoni open to Barcelona despite last summer’s disappointment Despite the previous setback, Bastoni has not completely closed the door on Barcelona.  As reported by Mundo Deportivo, the Inter Milan defender would remain receptive to a potential approach from the Catalan club. His willingness to consider the move comes despite the disappointment he experienced when Barcelona failed to follow through with their interest last summer.  Bastoni had been enthusiastic about the possibility of becoming part of the club’s project, making Flick’s decision particularly difficult to accept. Nevertheless, the Italian has moved forward and remains settled at Inter .  Barcelona chased Bastoni last summer too. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) He is one of the club’s captains this season, enjoys an important position within the squad and considers Inter one of the biggest clubs in European football. His contractual situation also gives the Italian side considerable control over his future. Bastoni is tied to Inter until 2028, earns one of the highest salaries in the squad and has a strong personal connection with the club he considers home. Flick could hold the key to Barcelona’s Bastoni pursuit At Barcelona, the challenge may not be just convincing Inter to negotiate or finding an agreement with the player.  Rather, the immediate requirement is rebuilding Bastoni’s confidence in the sporting project. The defender wants assurances that he would be a genuine priority for everyone involved, not just Deco, which could become a decisive factor if Barcelona decide to reactivate their interest.  Understandably, Bastoni is unlikely to be attracted by another transfer pursuit that lacks clarity over his role.  That means if Flick genuinely considers the Italian a key defensive reinforcement, a direct conversation could provide the reassurance missing from last summer’s negotiations.