Inter Milan extend Federico Dimarco’s deal as Barcelona’s pursuit suffers setback

Inter Milan have made Barcelona’s hopes of signing Federico Dimarco more difficult by activating an extension in the defender’s contract, keeping him at the Italian club until June 2028.

Barcelona had been monitoring the Italy international’s situation as his previous agreement was due to expire in June 2027. He was viewed as one of the options being considered by the Catalan club’s sporting department, with manager Hansi Flick keen to strengthen at left-back with a player capable of making an attacking impact.

However, according to Catalan newspaper Sport, Inter Milan have used a renewal clause in Dimarco’s contract to extend his stay by a further season. Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta confirmed the move and said the clause had been exercised unilaterally before both parties agreed to the additional year.

“We activated the clause agreed with him. Although it was a unilateral procedure, we agreed 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 take priority over any other considerations.”

Inter Milan are also seeking a longer-term agreement with the player. The club has opened negotiations with Dimarco’s representatives over a new contract that would extend beyond June 2028 and improve his financial terms, as they attempt to retain one of their most important players for the coming years.

Barcelona had already explored the possibility of signing Dimarco during the previous summer transfer window. One proposal under consideration was a swap deal that would have seen Alejandro Balde move to Inter Milan, with the Italian left-back going in the opposite direction to Camp Nou.

That attempt failed to produce an agreement between the two clubs, and Barcelona now face a more complicated pursuit following Inter Milan’s decision to extend Dimarco’s contract.

The player’s own preference to continue his career with Inter Milan further reduces the likelihood of a move to La Liga. Barcelona’s sporting department must therefore consider alternative targets as it looks to strengthen the left side of the defence for next season.