Player ‘completely changed’ Manchester City’s opinion after one match – Txiki contacts for signing

Manchester City considered signing Inter Milan’s Nicolò Barella in the summer of 2023.

That’s according to today’s edition of Corriere dello Sport, who provide an insight on why the deal didn’t go through.

Manchester City sporting director Txiki Begiristain had then included the midfielder’s name in his shortlist.

The Citizens official also made contacts to find out about the 27-year-old’s situation. This was prior to Manchester City’s Champions League final victory over the Nerazzurri in June 2023.

A few hours before the kickoff in Istanbul, the English champions thought about Barella. At the same time, there were concerns whether the player would fit into Pep Guardiola’s system.

The Italy international played the full 90 minutes against Manchester City. Corriere state this fixture alone was enough for him to ‘completely change’ the Citizens’ opinion.

İlkay Gündoğan had left for Barcelona in 2023 before returning to the Etihad last month. Had Bernardo Silva left a year ago, the report claims Manchester City would have made a move for Barella.

The Italy international was the first name on Begiristain’s list, even though his profile isn’t similar to that of Silva. He’s happy with his life and has no plans to leave the San Siro.

On Wednesday, Barella captained Inter in their goalless draw against Manchester City.