Former Inter Starlet, Once Compared to Haaland, Faces Career Conundrum: Potential Move to Join Ex-AC Milan Star

During the international break, a notable figure has emerged as a focal point: Thierry Henry. Since taking over as the head coach of France's U21 and Olympic teams, Henry has led the French U21s to consecutive victories, defeating Denmark 4-1 and Slovakia 4-0. Inter Milan’s Lucien Agoumé made his debut for the French U21s during this period, providing an assist and prompting Italian and French media to publish articles titled "Agoumé Finds His Smile Again," reflecting on the midfielder's current situation as Inter’s eighth-choice midfielder.

Agoumé’s journey with the French national teams has been one of a promising start followed by a series of challenges. In 2019, at just 17, he was the captain and central figure of France’s U17 team, which secured third place at the FIFA U17 World Cup and reached the semifinals of the UEFA U17 Championship. His performances earned him spots in the tournament’s Best XI and saw him ranked alongside rising stars like Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham. This led to a bidding war among European clubs, with Inter Milan, still financially stable at the time, signing him for €4.5 million plus add-ons, recognizing his immense potential.

However, as Agoumé progressed to higher levels, his development hit several roadblocks. The cancellation of the 2021 FIFA U20 World Cup due to the pandemic deprived him of a key opportunity to showcase his talents. By the time the tournament resumed in 2023, he had aged out, with eligibility restricted to players born after 2003. At the U21 level, Agoumé had not been called up until Henry’s recent appointment, making his debut by substituting a player four years his junior—a situation that felt somewhat awkward. Despite this, Agoumé made an immediate impact by intercepting a clearance and assisting a goal, demonstrating his defensive prowess.

During the 2021-22 season, OPTA highlighted that among U21 players with over 1,000 minutes played in Europe’s top five leagues, Agoumé had the highest number of interceptions per 90 minutes. While he has his shortcomings, labeling him as a failure due to these issues is overly harsh. His ability to intercept and break up play remains a standout quality. Although his assist did not secure him a starting position, Henry’s continued faith in him, offering more playing time, suggests that Agoumé is now considered part of the coach’s plans.

It is important to note that breaking into the French U21 team, unlike the Italian U21s, is no small feat. The squad is packed with young stars valued at over €30 million each. Securing a spot in such a competitive environment is a testament to Agoumé’s potential. For instance, Warren Zaire-Emery, who benefited from Agoumé’s assist, was a target for several top clubs, including Inter Milan, but remained unattainable due to financial constraints.

Agoumé has found his smile again on the international stage, but this has also highlighted a pressing dilemma: his position at Inter Milan. Currently, he is the eighth-choice midfielder and not part of the coach’s primary plans. As he excels with the national team, both Agoumé and Inter become increasingly anxious about his future. This summer, both parties actively sought a new club for him. Agoumé hopes for a permanent transfer or to stay, rather than another loan. Unfortunately, no clubs have stepped forward to purchase him outright. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, 2-3 lower-tier teams in Serie A and Ligue 1 are interested in loaning him, but Agoumé is reluctant, given his previous loan experiences at Spezia, Brest, and Troyes, where constant tactical adjustments due to changing teams hindered his development.

Having switched clubs on loan three times, Agoumé’s progress has stalled, making his reluctance to move again understandable. Staying at Inter and waiting for opportunities seems unlikely, as significant injuries to key midfielders would be required for him to get substantial playing time. Sitting on the bench for half a season is detrimental for a young player, making this the least desirable option for both him and the club.

Agoumé faces a tough choice. He has one more option: a move to Turkey’s Süper Lig, with clubs like Istanbul Başakşehir and Adana Demirspor expressing interest in loaning him. Although Agoumé has reservations about moving to the Turkish league, it may be a temporary solution better than waiting until the winter transfer window. Should he join one of these teams, he would reunite with former AC Milan stars. Adana Demirspor features M'Baye Niang, while Istanbul Başakşehir boasts Polish striker Krzysztof Piątek, who once cost AC Milan €35 million.

Agoumé’s situation is reminiscent of these former Milan players, who were once hailed as the club’s future but have since faded into obscurity. In 2019, Agoumé was a highly anticipated talent, now he too faces an uncertain future. Despite the setbacks, Inter Milan remains committed to helping Agoumé overcome his challenges. At just 21 years old, he still has time to turn his career around, but it requires careful management and the right opportunities.

In conclusion, Agoumé’s journey from being one of Europe’s top prospects to his current predicament serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football careers. His story highlights the importance of stability and the right environment for young players to flourish. As he navigates this critical phase, the decisions made in the coming weeks could significantly impact the trajectory of his career. Inter Milan’s support will be crucial in ensuring that Agoumé can once again find his smile, not just on the international stage, but also at the club level.