Inter Milan have activated the option in Federico Dimarco’s contract, keeping the Italy international at San Siro until June 2028 and making a move to Barcelona considerably more difficult.

Barcelona had been monitoring the left-back’s situation and explored a possible exchange involving Alejandro Balde, but the proposal never developed into an agreement.

Inter president Giuseppe Marotta confirmed the decision, adding that the club intends to negotiate a longer deal with the player.

What Inter’s Dimarco Extension Means For Barcelona

Inter exercised their option to extend Dimarco’s contract by a year, moving his expiry date from 2027 to June 2028.

Fabrizio Romano first reported the development, before Marotta confirmed the decision and said further talks over a longer agreement were planned, as reported by Sport

Marotta explained Inter’s position ahead of their meeting with Feyenoord.

“We activated the clause agreed with him, although it was a unilateral measure, but we agreed to extend his contract for an additional year,” he said.

“Dimarco wants to stay, and we want him too, and we are happy with that. Feelings of belonging to the club must take priority over other values,” the Inter president added.

The decision is a blow to Barcelona, who had considered Dimarco as a possible solution at left-back. Sport reported that sporting director Deco explored a summer deal involving Dimarco, Balde and financial compensation in Inter’s favour.

However, the proposed exchange never got off the ground. Fabrizio Romano said the deal never stood a chance because Inter wanted to keep Dimarco, while Balde was not interested in leaving Barcelona.

With Dimarco now under contract until 2028, Barcelona will find it harder to bring him to Camp Nou. Inter's plans to negotiate a longer deal make a move even less likely in the near future.

Balde’s Barcelona Future Becomes More Important

With Dimarco looking set to stay at Inter, Barcelona's attention turns back to their own left-back situation, particularly Balde's reduced role under Hansi Flick.

The Spain international has made four LaLiga appearances this season without starting once and has played just 16 minutes in the Champions League. Flick has also pointed to a lack of confidence as one reason for his limited involvement.

“Balde doesn’t have the confidence he needs to play, the conviction to attack and press high,” the Barcelona manager said before facing Alavés, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

“The full-backs are very important for us, in our style of play. He needs confidence to reach his best level,” Flick added.

Balde's lack of regular playing time has fuelled reports that he could consider leaving in January if his situation does not improve. However, he has not made a confirmed transfer request, and it remains unclear whether Barcelona would be willing to let him go.

With Dimarco tied to Inter until 2028, Barcelona must decide whether to keep backing Balde to rediscover his best form or look elsewhere for a long-term solution at left-back.