Matteo Moretto Confirms Barcelona Reaches Preliminary Agreement with Alessandro Bastoni

Matteo Moretto reveals Alessandro Bastoni has said "yes" to Barcelona. Read about the €50m opening bid and the potential inclusion of Hector Fort in the deal.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 17, 2026, 2:06 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Matteo Moretto, Zamin.uz, and Sky Sport.

Securing the Player’s Approval

Barcelona’s strategic pursuit of a world-class center-back has taken a major step forward with the verbal commitment of Alessandro Bastoni. Matteo Moretto, widely regarded as a "Tier 1" source for Catalan transfer news, revealed that the Blaugrana have successfully presented a project that has excited the Italian defender. The agreement in principle covers personal terms, including a salary package that matches or slightly exceeds his current €7 million annual earnings at Inter. By securing the player’s "yes" early, Barcelona aims to put pressure on the Inter Milan board to facilitate a move during the upcoming 2026 summer window.

The Financial Standoff: Valuation and Creative Formulas

While the player is on board, the negotiations between the clubs are expected to be complex and protracted. Barcelona is reportedly preparing an opening bid in the region of €50 million plus variables, a figure that remains far below Inter Milan’s estimated valuation of €70 million to €80 million. To bridge this gap, Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, is exploring the inclusion of players as makeweights. One name that has surfaced prominently is 19-year-old La Masia graduate Hector Fort, currently on loan at Elche, who has previously attracted interest from both Milanese clubs and is seen as a high-potential asset that could lower the required cash outlay.

Bastoni’s Role in Hansi Flick’s Defensive Overhaul

Hansi Flick has identified Bastoni as his "number one" priority to modernize the Barcelona defense. The Italian is prized for his exceptional ball-playing abilities, high passing completion rate (averaging 88% in Serie A this season), and tactical versatility in both back-three and back-four systems. Following Barcelona's exit from the Champions League and their 9-point lead in La Liga, the club is prioritizing players who provide immediate elite-level experience. Bastoni, with 26 Serie A appearances and a consistent record in the Champions League, fits the profile of a "foundational" signing for the 2026-2027 project.