Inter president Giuseppe Marotta has effectively ended speculation linking Alessandro Bastoni with a move to Barcelona, insisting the defender has never asked to leave and remains central to the club’s future plans.

Speaking after Inter’s Serie A and Coppa Italia double-winning campaign under Cristian Chivu, Marotta made it clear that the club has no intention of selling one of its most important players.

“We in general are not a selling club, so if a player does leave, it is because he expressed the desire to move on,” Marotta said. “I have to say that Bastoni has absolutely not expressed the desire to leave. He is happy here, we do not need to sell, so I think he will stay with us.”

The comments represent the strongest indication yet that Barcelona’s pursuit of the Italian international has come to an end.

Barcelona’s Bastoni Pursuit Comes To Nothing

Barcelona had identified Bastoni as one of their leading defensive targets as they looked to strengthen their back line ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The 27-year-old’s combination of defensive reliability, ball progression and versatility made him an attractive option, particularly given the growing demand for elite left-footed centre-backs across Europe.

However, the transfer never appeared close to completion.

Reports suggested Barcelona were willing to spend around €50 million, while Inter valued Bastoni at closer to €70 million. With the defender under contract until 2028 and no indication he wanted to leave, Inter had little reason to negotiate.

Barcelona’s Failed Pursuit Timeline

Date	Development	Outcome
Late 2025	Barcelona identify Bastoni as defensive target	Monitoring begins
March 2026	Transfer speculation intensifies	Interest grows
April 2026	Barcelona linked with €50M offer	Inter hold firm
May 4, 2026	Marotta downplays reports	First public rejection
May 17, 2026	Ausilio insists Bastoni is staying	Second rejection
May 28, 2026	Marotta confirms player will remain	Transfer effectively over

Inter’s Position Never Changed

Marotta’s comments were consistent with the stance previously taken by sporting director Piero Ausilio.

Throughout the season, Inter repeatedly stressed that Bastoni was not on the market and that the club had received no concrete approaches for the defender.

Ausilio described the Italy international as one of the club’s most valuable assets and reaffirmed that Inter wanted him to remain a cornerstone of the project.

That message has now been reinforced by the club president himself.

Did Bastoni Ever Want To Leave?

Reports regarding Bastoni’s future varied throughout the season.

Some suggested the defender was intrigued by the prospect of joining Barcelona, while others claimed he remained fully committed to Inter despite growing transfer interest.

Marotta’s latest comments appear to settle the matter. According to the Inter president, Bastoni never requested a transfer and remains happy at San Siro.

Whether Barcelona’s interest was genuine or exploratory, the move was always unlikely without the player’s willingness to push for an exit.

Bastoni Remains A Key Figure At Inter

Bastoni played a major role in Inter’s domestic double-winning campaign and remains one of the most complete defenders in European football.

Comfortable in possession, tactically intelligent and capable of operating across multiple defensive roles, he has become a vital part of Inter’s system over the last several seasons.

Milan, Italy – May 3: Alessandro Bastoni of Fc Internazionale during warm up before the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza on May 3, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by sportinfoto/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)

What Makes Bastoni So Valuable?

Attribute	Detail
Left-footed defender	Rare profile in modern football
Ball progression	Excellent passing range
Versatility	Can play across the back line
Tactical intelligence	Strong positioning and reading of play
Aerial ability	Dominant in duels
Age	27
Contract	Until 2028

Bastoni’s 2025-26 Season In Numbers

Despite dealing with injury setbacks during parts of the campaign, Bastoni remained one of Inter’s most influential defenders as the club secured both the Scudetto and Coppa Italia.

2025-26 Season Statistics

Metric	Figure
Serie A Appearances	28
Clean Sheets Contributed	8
Interceptions	23
Clearances	80
Aerial Duels Won	52
Times Dribbled Past	10
Coppa Italia Final	Starter
Injuries	Shin and ankle issues

What Happens Next For Barcelona?

With Bastoni seemingly off the market, Barcelona are expected to turn their attention toward alternative targets.

The club continues to seek defensive reinforcements, with several names reportedly under consideration.

Potential Alternatives

Player	Club	Estimated Fee
Evan Ndicka	Roma	€30-40M
Cristian Romero	Tottenham	€50M+
Jhon Lucumí	Bologna	€25-30M

While Bastoni may have been the preferred option, Barcelona are unlikely to pursue a deal that Inter have no interest in entertaining.

Marotta’s message could not have been clearer.

Bastoni has not asked to leave, Inter do not need to sell, and the club views him as a fundamental part of its future.

With a contract running until 2028, a valuation well above Barcelona’s reported offer and a domestic double fresh in the memory, Inter hold all the leverage.

For Barcelona, the search for a new centre-back continues. For Bastoni, another season at San Siro now appears all but certain.

FAQs

Has the Bastoni-Barcelona transfer been called off?

Yes. Inter president Giuseppe Marotta expects Bastoni to remain at the club.

Did Bastoni ask to leave Inter?

No. Marotta stated the defender never requested a transfer.

Why didn’t Barcelona sign Bastoni?

Inter were unwilling to sell and valued the player significantly higher than Barcelona’s reported offer.

How did Bastoni perform in 2025-26?

He made 28 Serie A appearances and helped Inter win both Serie A and the Coppa Italia.

Who could Barcelona target instead?

Reported alternatives include Evan Ndicka, Cristian Romero and Jhon Lucumí.

Inter President Marotta Confirms Bastoni-Barcelona Deal Is Off: “He Never Asked To Leave, We’re Not A Selling Club”