Analyzing the Situation of Inter Milan’s Argentine Forwards: Correa’s Departure in Motion, Lautaro’s Drama with Big-Spending Clubs

Inter Milan, under its new ownership, has left the football world with many unresolved mysteries. Despite not yet achieving financial equilibrium and still operating at a deficit, Inter relies on substantial cash injections from its major shareholders to stay afloat. Last season, Steven Zhang secured €51 million through a "capital injection followed by debt-to-equity conversion" method. This season, Oak Tree Capital has indicated it will use "equity funzionali" to supplement cash flow. This emergency measure raises questions about potential new stringent terms and their future impact on Inter's financial statements.

Inter Milan's Financial Conundrum

Bloomberg reports that Oak Tree Capital aims for a 20% annual return on its investment in Inter Milan. Financial experts suggest that Oak Tree's optimal strategy might be to resolve financial discrepancies with Steven Zhang, hold the club for a year, and then sell it for €1.2 billion next summer. Whether this strategy will be executed remains to be seen, as does the potential for further disputes between Oak Tree and Steven Zhang. After the new board meeting in early June, these issues will be clearer.

Correa’s Departure: A Necessity for Inter

One of the immediate concerns is the future of Inter's Argentine forward, Joaquín Correa. His loan spell at Marseille was disappointing, and the French club will not exercise their buyout clause. Inter has informed Correa that he is not part of their plans for the upcoming season, necessitating a new club for the player. Currently vacationing in Argentina, Correa has had contact with his former club Estudiantes, and River Plate has also approached his agent. Although these talks are preliminary, they signify the beginning of Correa's exit process.

Given Argentina's current economic situation and currency devaluation, Inter cannot expect a high transfer fee from Argentine clubs. The best outcome for Inter is to minimize their losses in offloading Correa. TYC Sports reports that Correa is expected to report back to Inter for pre-season training, with hopes that his departure will be finalized by August.

Lautaro Martínez’s Contract Saga

Meanwhile, the drama surrounding Lautaro Martínez continues to escalate. At a recent event, Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta reiterated the club’s standard narrative: “Lautaro? Let’s start with an important consideration: Lautaro has an extraordinary bond with this club and this city, which makes negotiations with his agent simpler. We will not be hasty; we are very calm.” Despite this, negotiations have dragged on for six months without resolution, heightening fan anxiety.

Lautaro recently conveyed through friends to Sky Sports that many reports of him making exorbitant demands are false, and he remains optimistic about renewing his contract. However, this optimism has yet to quell the growing unease among fans. Several journalists have criticized Lautaro, pointing out two main issues.

Firstly, journalist Biasin highlighted that Lautaro's agent, Camano, proposed an insincere offer: a three-year contract worth €36 million net. Given that Lautaro still has two years left on his current deal, a three-year extension seems unreasonable. Moreover, Camano's recent remark, “How much the player earns is not the fans' concern,” has sparked fan backlash.

Secondly, journalist Guaro mentioned a “strange encounter” between Camano and Marcelo Simonian, who has close ties to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). This interaction has raised concerns within Inter about PSG's potential involvement in Lautaro’s situation.

Speculations and Strategies

There are two prevailing theories. One suggests that PSG is indeed intervening, using their infamous strategy of offering high salaries but low transfer fees. If true, this would complicate matters, leading to intense negotiations. The other theory posits that the current impasse is due to Camano’s desire to extract a substantial commission. It is well-known that agents earn primarily from commissions on player contracts, whether renewals or transfers. Camano's complaint that “Inter has only renewed Lautaro’s contract once in six years” can be interpreted as frustration over missed earnings opportunities.

Inter’s priority now is for Lautaro and his agent to be transparent. The upcoming round of negotiations aims to clarify Lautaro’s intentions. If he genuinely wishes to renew, he should avoid making demands that Inter cannot meet. If the issue is about the agent's commission, it should be discussed openly. If Lautaro’s heart is set on a move to a wealthier club, he needs to communicate this clearly so that Inter can avoid a drawn-out saga similar to past experiences with other players.

The Fan Perspective

Despite the ongoing drama, it is encouraging to see that fans on social media, both locally and internationally, express their willingness to trust Inter’s management. They recognize the challenges but believe in the club’s ability to navigate these turbulent times.

Future Prospects

Inter Milan's management, led by Marotta and supported by Zanetti and Ausilio, is working to balance immediate needs with long-term planning. The focus is on maintaining a competitive squad while preparing for inevitable transitions. The club’s financial strategies, transfer market maneuvers, and handling of player contracts are critical to their success in the upcoming season.

As the new ownership era unfolds, many uncertainties remain. Inter’s ability to achieve financial stability, manage high-profile player contracts, and navigate the transfer market will determine their future trajectory. The situation with Correa and Lautaro is just a microcosm of the broader challenges facing the club. Fans and analysts will closely watch how Inter addresses these issues, hoping for a resolution that strengthens the team and secures its future.