Real Madrid Hits Another FC Barcelona Transfer Target

BusinessSportsMoneyReal Madrid Hits Another FC Barcelona Transfer TargetByTom Sanderson,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Tom Sanderson has been primarily based in Barcelona since 2019.Follow AuthorJun 17, 2026, 05:18am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SummaryReal Madrid is reportedly in advanced talks to sign Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni, a player previously targeted by FC Barcelona. The potential $80 million transfer awaits new coach Mourinho's decision and would provide immediate competition in Madrid's defense. This aggressive pursuit is seen as part of President Florentino Perez's strategy to sabotage Barcelona's transfer ambitions following two trophyless seasons. Madrid previously outbid Barca for Julian Alvarez and recently acquired Marc Cucurella, another player linked to the Catalans. They are also reportedly close to signing Bernardo Silva as a free agent, further highlighting their intent to strengthen their squad while simultaneously weakening their rivals.Show More Real Madrid is turning its attention to another FC Barcelona transfer target according to Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy and SPORT in Catalonia, which both cited anonymous sources.Getty ImagesReal Madrid is turning its attention to another FC Barcelona transfer target in Alessandro Bastoni according to La Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy and SPORT in Catalonia, which both cited anonymous sources.The Italian newspaper explains that Los Blancos and Inter have been in advanced talks about the central defender since last weekend, and it is now new Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho that should decide whether he wants Bastoni or another alternative.Should the Portuguese give his thumbs up to the potential operation, Bastoni will cost around $80 million. He’d provide immediate competition to the likes of Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huij...