Newcastle United have been linked with a massive move for Nicolo Barella in the opening days of the transfer window. The signing would definitely go into the bracket of ‘marquee signings’ should Barella join Eddie Howe’s side.
Inter Milan will be keen to hang on to the midfielder and want more than the £50m United are reportedly willing to spend on the Italian. He is a player who comes with a big pedigree and would be a telling statement from the Magpies.
The 26-year-old has won plenty of praise so far in his career, and Newcastle aren't his only admirers. Here's what some of the biggest names in football have said about him.
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Jurgen Klopp
The Liverpool manager has not been shy to praise the midfielder in the past, and there have been rumours that the Reds have held an interest in bringing him to Anfield. So it’s no surprise Klopp waxed lyrically about the player when asked about him.
“He's a really good player. He's a really good player and I like him a lot," he said. "He has all the things you want from a midfield player; he is aggressive, he is technical, he can run for ages and all these kinds of things. A top-class player."
Roberto Mancini
The Italian manager was boss when Barella was part of the Italian side who won the European Championship in 2021. When talking about Barella and also Sandro Tonali – another midfielder Newcastle have been linked with this summer – Mancini praised Barella’s versatility.
“I can play Barella alongside Tonali, or just one of them, they’re versatile, Barella is a modern midfielder, we know what he can give us.”
Steven Gerrard
Praise from arguably one of the best midfielders the Premier League has ever seen does not come lightly, the former Aston Villa boss talked about Barella’s quality after England won in Italy in March.
“I watched him against England in Naples and he was involved in all parts of the game," he said. "He did really well against the England midfield – Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. He’s at a good age as well, coming into his prime.”
Simone Inzaghi
The current Inter Milan boss talked about the passion that Barella has for the game after a bust up with his teammate Romelu Lukaku during a game.
“Barella is totally committed to the cause. He has so much motivation and always wants to win," he said. "The desire can at times spill over, but we all know what kind of person he is. I have confidence in him and the rest of the team."
Eddie Howe wants his dressing room to have the right characters so it seems the passion of Barella could be a very good addition to Newcastle United should they sign him this summer.
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