How Much Did Barcelona Sell Vidal?

By Robert Palmer

Barcelona, one of the most successful football clubs in the world, recently sold Arturo Vidal to Inter Milan. The Chilean midfielder, known for his tenacity and physicality on the field, had been a key player for Barcelona since joining the club in 2018. His departure from Camp Nou has left fans wondering about the details of his transfer.

The Transfer Deal

On September 22, 2020, Barcelona officially announced the transfer of Arturo Vidal to Inter Milan. The Italian club paid a reported fee of €1 million to secure his services. This might appear to be a relatively low amount for a player of Vidal’s caliber, but it is important to consider other factors involved in the deal.

Vidal’s Contract Situation

Vidal had only one year remaining on his contract with Barcelona at the time of the transfer. With little time left on his deal and considering his age (33), it is common for clubs to negotiate lower transfer fees in such circumstances. Additionally, Barcelona was keen on reducing their wage bill and balancing their squad ahead of the new season.

It is worth noting that Vidal’s departure is part of a larger restructuring process at Barcelona following their disappointing campaign in the 2019-2020 season, which saw them lose both La Liga and Champions League titles.

Vidal’s Contribution at Barcelona

During his two-year spell at Camp Nou, Vidal made a significant impact on the pitch. Known for his combative style and ability to score crucial goals from midfield positions, he became an integral part of Barcelona’s squad. In 96 appearances across all competitions, he netted 11 goals and provided 10 assists.

Listed below are some of Vidal’s notable achievements during his time at Barcelona:

  • La Liga Title: Vidal played a key role in Barcelona’s 2018-2019 La Liga triumph, contributing with his energetic performances and goals.
  • Copa del Rey: He also helped the club win the Copa del Rey in the same season, showcasing his winning mentality.
  • Champions League: Although Barcelona fell short in their European campaign during Vidal’s tenure, he was a consistent performer and contributed with vital goals and assists.

New Challenges at Inter Milan

Vidal’s move to Inter Milan presents him with a fresh opportunity to showcase his skills in Serie A. He reunites with his former coach Antonio Conte, under whom he had great success at Juventus. Their successful partnership could prove pivotal for Inter Milan as they aim to challenge Juventus’ dominance in Italian football.

The transfer fee may be modest, but Vidal’s experience and winning mentality could prove invaluable for Inter Milan. His physical presence and ability to dominate midfield battles make him a valuable asset for any team.

In Conclusion

Barcelona sold Arturo Vidal to Inter Milan for a reported fee of €1 million. While this might seem relatively low for such a talented player, it reflects several factors such as the remaining duration of his contract and Barcelona’s need to balance their squad and reduce their wage bill.

Nonetheless, Vidal’s contributions during his time at Barcelona were notable, including winning the La Liga title and Copa del Rey. As he embarks on a new chapter at Inter Milan, fans eagerly await seeing him reunite with Antonio Conte and make an impact in Serie A.