A Comprehensive Look at Inter Milan's 13 Loaned Players: Two Crown Jewels and Two Potential Returnees for Next Season

In the realm of Italian football market experts, one name stands out: Biaxin. Unlike some of his peers who often get the first-hand scoop from agents, Biaxin has fostered excellent relationships with Inter Milan’s key figures, Marotta and Ausilio. Known for his reliability and restraint, he is considered a top-tier insider within the Inter community. His insights are invaluable for understanding the thoughts of Inter’s higher-ups. Recently, Biaxin commented, "Inter is unlikely to make any winter signings. A new forward? Only if Sanchez leaves, but I don't see that happening. The management's stance is clear: as long as Sanchez stays, Inter will rely on their current four strikers. Don’t hold out too much hope; Inter has been saying the market is closed."

However, this doesn’t mean Inter's managers aren’t busy. The transfer team is working tirelessly, mainly focusing on signings for multiple positions in the next half-year. Deals like Taremi’s free transfer have been previously discussed. For instance, Zielinski’s potential transfer, as Biaxin reported: “The player has given a verbal commitment to Inter. However, as the situation with Giallo showed, until the contract is signed, we can’t say he is an Inter player.”

Additionally, there’s a group of players who shouldn’t be overlooked: the 13 players Inter has loaned out. Some are on pure loans, while others have buy-back options, making their recall relatively straightforward. "La Gazzetta dello Sport" analyzed the status of these 13 loaned players, highlighting two as “crown jewels” – Valentin Carboni and Francesco Pio Esposito. Two more players, wing-back Zanotti and forward Seba Esposito, also have a chance of returning next season.

Among these 13 players, some present challenges for Inter, like Correa. His buyout by Marseille depends on their qualification for the Champions League, but the French team currently sits 6th in Ligue 1. Others are facing difficulties, such as Franco Carboni, a 2003-born left winger who struggled for playing time at Monza in the first half of the season and was subsequently loaned to Serie B side Ternana. Similar situations apply to Vanheusden, Satriano, Brazao, Fontanarosa, Radu, and Stankovic Jr., whose chances of returning to the first team next season are slim.

The Crown Jewels: Valentin Carboni and Francesco Pio Esposito

Among the loaned players, two 2005-born rising stars stand out. Valentin Carboni enjoys Inter’s absolute trust, which existed even before his impressive performances at Monza this season. This trust is mirrored by the Argentine national team, where both Carboni brothers were called up together. The coach and Messi have shown more appreciation for Valentin, captivated by his extraordinary talent. Last season, Simone Inzaghi gave Valentin six appearances – the most for any youth player during Inzaghi’s tenure. This season, Valentin has made 12 Serie A appearances for Monza, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists.

Francesco Pio Esposito is another promising talent. Currently on loan at Serie B side Spezia, the 2005-born forward has started 11 league matches, scoring 2 goals. He has also shone at the national team level, with Inter closely monitoring his development and offering extensive training guidance. These two are the highest-anticipated among Inter's loaned players. However, this also means their chances of returning to Inter next season are relatively low, as the club believes bringing them back before they are fully ready would hinder their growth by relegating them to the bench.

Potential Returnees: Zanotti and Seba Esposito

In comparison to the two “crown jewels,” two other players, although slightly less hyped, have a higher likelihood of returning next season – Zanotti and Seba Esposito. Zanotti, a 2003-born right-back, is currently on loan at St. Gallen, who are second in the Swiss Super League. This season, he has made 16 appearances (15 starts), scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists. He ranks high in the league for tackles and interceptions. Zanotti also continues to impress for Italy’s U21 team. Some critics underrate Zanotti due to his average speed and lack of height (1.77 meters), but they overlook his strengths: exceptional endurance, game intelligence (Chiellini described him as the “new Darmian”), and diligent training habits.

Inter coach Simone Inzaghi has a soft spot for Zanotti, who was the second most used youth player during Inzaghi’s time. Since being loaned out, Zanotti’s performances have exceeded expectations, making his return to Inter next season a real possibility.

Seba Esposito, a 2002-born forward, is on loan at Sampdoria, where he has scored 5 goals and provided additional assists. Sampdoria holds a €7 million option to buy him, with Inter retaining a buy-back clause. Marotta personally scouted him, indicating a potential return next season. Even if he doesn't return, the €7 million clause could lead to intriguing transfer negotiations, similar to the deal involving Frattesi and Pinamonti’s €20 million buyout clause.

The Rest of the Loaned Players

The remaining loaned players are also being closely monitored by Inter. Some are seen as long-term prospects for the club, while others might offer short-term solutions for the first team. Players like Franco Carboni, despite his struggles at Monza and subsequent loan to Ternana, have the potential to develop into valuable assets for Inter. Vanheusden, Satriano, Brazao, Fontanarosa, Radu, and Stankovic Jr. also fall into this category, although their chances of breaking into the first team next season are slim.

In conclusion, Inter’s strategy of loaning out 13 players is multifaceted. For some, it’s about gaining experience and proving their worth before potentially returning to bolster the first team. For others, it’s about long-term development and securing their futures, whether at Inter or elsewhere. As the club continues to navigate the complexities of the transfer market, the progress of these loaned players will be critical to Inter’s future success.