Barcelona and Roma express interest in Domenico Berardi
The two sides are once again chasing the same target, with Roma hoping that it doesn’t end the same way as it did in the summer with Malcom.
Fresh from an impressive summer transfer window, Barcelona are already planning future moves. According to Sport, Domenico Berardi is being watched by the club after an excellent start to the season for Sassuolo. However, Roma are also eyeing the 24-year-old as they continue their policy of bringing in talented youngsters to develop and sell at a much higher price. Securing his transfer would reportedly require a fee of around €25-30 million.
Berardi has scored four goals in four appearances so far this season including the winner from the penalty spot against inter Milan. These goals have helped his side start the season strongly from seven points from three games as they aim to improve on 12th and 11th place finishes in the last two seasons.
Barcelona have recently done business with I Neroverdi because they sold Marlon Santos to them in a €12 million, although half of that is paid after 50 league appearances when a 50% future clause is bought out. There is also a buy-back clause in the contract, with the board making sure that they won’t miss out if he develops quickly.
This piece of business could stand them in good stead with the Serie A side because they may look favourably on Barca over other suitors, however, Roma’s Director of Football Monchi will be determined not to lose out to the Catalans on another transfer target. Barcelona’s signing of Malcom still stings for I Giallorossi because they had come to an agreement with Bordeaux over the transfer, but ultimately lost out.
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Berardi is best used as an inverted winger on the right flank as he likes to cut inside on his favoured foot, although he can play all along the front line if needed. He works well as part of the collective because of the defensive work he puts in and his movement off the ball in the attacking shape. Neither side has a desperate need for Berardi as talented as he is, though. Barcelona have Ousmane Dembele and Malcom while Roma have Cengiz Under, Justin Kluivert, Diego Perotti and Stephan El Shaarawy.
Roma are likely to sell players on in the next few windows, so Berardi could be used as a relatively cheap replacement who is able to adjust to the team quickly due to his knowledge of the league. Sassuolo have significant leverage, though, because his contract doesn’t run out until 2022 and Berardi doesn’t appear to have any intention of moving.
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He could fit into Barcelona’s style due to his intricacy in areas such as passing in the final third as well as how he likes to drive into central areas and combine with others to create openings. However, there is no need for a winger currently, and opting to play him as the centre forward would be an odd choice due to it not being his natural position. A long-term replacement for Suarez is needed in the immediate future, but there are better options on the market.