Barcelona dealt fresh blow as Inter Milan secure Federico Dimarco’s future

Barcelona’s hopes of signing Federico Dimarco have suffered a setback after Inter Milan formally activated an extension in the defender’s contract, making a move for the Italy international during next summer’s transfer window more difficult.

Barcelona had been monitoring Dimarco’s situation because his previous contract was due to expire in June 2027. He had emerged as one of the options being considered by the club’s sporting department, with manager Hansi Flick keen to strengthen the left-back position with a player who offers a significant attacking threat.

However, according to Catalan newspaper Sport, Inter Milan have exercised a clause allowing them to extend Dimarco’s contract by a further season. His agreement with the Italian club now runs until June 2028.

Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta confirmed the decision and said the club had used an agreed provision to ensure Dimarco would remain for another year.

“We activated the clause agreed with him, even though it was a unilateral procedure, but we had an agreement to extend his contract for an additional year,” Marotta said.

He added: “Dimarco wants to stay, and we want him to stay too. We are happy about that. The feeling of belonging to the club must come before any other considerations.”

Inter Milan’s plans go beyond simply extending the existing agreement. The club have opened negotiations with Dimarco’s representatives over a longer-term contract, which would also improve the player’s financial terms.

The discussions reflect Inter Milan’s desire to retain one of their key players for the coming years, while Dimarco’s own preference to continue his career at the club has further weakened Barcelona’s position.

Barcelona had already tried to sign the left-back during the previous summer transfer window. The Catalan club considered a swap deal in which Alejandro Balde would move to Inter Milan, with Dimarco heading in the opposite direction to Camp Nou.

That proposal did not lead to an agreement between the two clubs. With Dimarco now tied to Inter Milan until 2028, Barcelona face an even more complicated task in attempting to recruit him.

The player’s wish to remain with Inter Milan has also reduced the likelihood of him moving to the Spanish league, leaving Barcelona’s sporting department needing to consider alternative options to strengthen the left side of the defence.