Barcelona’s hopes of signing Federico Dimarco have suffered a setback after Inter Milan formally activated an extension in the defender’s contract.
The Italian club’s decision means Dimarco is now tied to Inter Milan until June 2028, making a move to Barcelona in next summer’s transfer window significantly more difficult.
Barcelona had been monitoring the 28-year-old’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 capable of making an attacking contribution.
According to Catalan newspaper Sport, Inter Milan used a renewal clause included in Dimarco’s contract to secure his services for an additional season. Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta confirmed the move and said the club had exercised the option agreed with the player.
“We activated the clause agreed with him, although it was a unilateral procedure, but we agreed to extend his contract by an additional year,” Marotta said.
He added that Dimarco’s own preference was to remain at San Siro, while Inter Milan were equally keen to retain him.
“Dimarco wants to stay, and we want him as well. We are happy about that. A sense of belonging to the club must take priority over any other considerations,” Marotta said.
Inter Milan have gone further than simply extending the existing agreement. The club has opened negotiations with Dimarco’s representatives over a longer-term contract, which would also improve the financial terms of his current deal.
That move reflects Inter Milan’s desire to keep one of their key players for the coming years, while Dimarco’s stated wish to continue his career with the Italian club further reduces the prospect of a transfer to La Liga.
Barcelona had already explored the possibility of signing Dimarco during the previous summer transfer window. One proposal under consideration was a swap deal involving Alejandro Balde moving to Inter Milan, with Dimarco heading in the opposite direction to Camp Nou.
However, the two clubs were unable to reach an agreement. With Dimarco now contracted to Inter Milan until 2028 and apparently willing to remain in Italy, Barcelona face a more complicated task in their pursuit of a left-back.
The Catalan club will therefore have to consider alternative targets as it seeks to strengthen the left side of its defence.
