Barcelona had been preparing for the summer transfer window well in advance, drawing up a list of targets during the winter months. One of the names that particularly caught sporting director Deco's eye was Alessandro Bastoni. A defender who ticks all his boxes: left-footed, technically gifted and dominant in the air. On top of that, he is in his prime, boasts plenty of experience and has won the league title with Inter and the European Championship with Italy.However, finances proved to be a stumbling block, while Hansi Flick also had his reservations. In the end, Alessandro Bastoni was left feeling let down and disappointed last June Transfer Window, but he did not slam the door shut.The Italian remains open to a move to Barcelona and still has his sights set on the Catalan giants, according to Mundo Deportivo. He is ready to listen to what the club have to say in January, but expects them to be more concrete this time around.❗️5 months ago, Deco had closed an agreement with Alessandro Bastoni, but he was turned down due to Hansi Flick’s reluctance. Now Barça finds itself looking for a CB again. Bastoni will be open to listening to an offer, but Barça will have to prove its interest to him this time around. Via (🟢): @martinezferran [md]— Barça Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) October 30, 2026 The centre-back hopes Barcelona will be straightforward and make it crystal clear that they genuinely want him at Camp Nou. They were interested a few months ago, too, but it was mainly sporting director Deco who pushed for the move, while head coach Hansi Flick remained hesitant. Still, that was not what ultimately derailed the deal.Bastoni even made his feelings clear during a Champions League encounter. Not only did he swap shirts, but he also put on the Barcelona jersey, sending an unmistakable message to everyone in Catalonia.Barcelona took notice and continued their search for a centre-back, although strengthening that position was not their most pressing concern. Gerard Martin had been moved into central defence, while the real urgency was up front. Robert Lewandowski had been allowed to leave, Ferran Torres had joined Paris Saint-Germain, and the pursuit of Julian Alvarez had turned into a full-blown transfer saga that ended in disappointment.Barcelona fined just €602 over Julian Alvarez transfer sagaBarcelona eventually snapped up Gabriel Jesus for €10 million, having already splashed out heavily on Anthony Gordon, Rodri and Karim Adeyemi. Meanwhile, Bastoni did not come cheap. Inter were hoping to pocket around €70 million from a club that had been struggling with Financial Fair Play restrictions for years.But the deal never materialised. Barcelona simply could not scrape together the funds needed to sign the Italian centre-back.Inter and Dimarco at odds over new deal as salary demands meet resistanceHaving strengthened other areas of the squad, the Catalans left Bastoni empty-handed in the summer. However, he could now emerge as their main target in the January transfer window, when signing a centre-back is expected to become a priority.First, though, they need to convince the Italian that he is the man they truly want. Bastoni wants to hear it from Deco, but even more so from Hansi Flick.Without those assurances, there will be no talks over personal terms. And even if Barcelona manage to convince him, they will still have to find the money to meet Inter's demands.LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 11Friday23.00: (1.40) Villarreal (4.90) Espanyol (6.75)Saturday16.00: (5.50) Levante (4.70) Atletico Madrid (1.52)18.15: (2.45) Rayo Vallecano (3.40) Celta (2.90)20.30: (1.33) Betis (5.40) Malaga (7.95)23.00: (1.12) Barcelona (7.75) Alaves (19.0)Sunday16.00: (3.05) Getafe (3.05) Sevilla (2.50)18.15: (13.0) Racing Santander (8.00) Real Madrid (1.20)20.30: (2.35) Elche (3.45) Valencia (3.00)23.00: (2.20) Athletic Bilbao (3.70) Real Sociedad (3.00)Monday23.00: (2.20) Deportivo A Coruna (3.35) Osasuna (3.35)***odds are subject to change***
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