During the latter part of the season, Barcelona scouts closely followed Italian players, including Marco Palestra of Atalanta, who spent the previous season on loan at Cagliari. Reports indicate that Palestra is about to sign a contract with Inter, with the deal amounting to 50 million euros including bonuses, and the contract lasting until 2031.
Manchester City and Newcastle were also interested in the Italy international, who is capable of playing on both flanks of the defense, making him an attractive option for several clubs. Barcelona initially tracked Palestra as a future replacement for Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé, considering both players have suitors, while the club aims to keep Joao Cancelo.
Palestra was not the only full-back monitored by Barcelona; Juventus’s Andrea Cambiaso was also on the list. Both players share the key characteristic of being able to operate effectively on both sides of the defense. However, with Palestra now close to joining Inter, Barcelona’s chances of securing him have diminished.
