Inter Faces Juventus' Transfer Interception Again: Executives Stand Firm on One Key Principle

Inter Milan has officially announced the signing of Tajon Buchanan, with the club's media department producing yet another elaborate and eye-catching promotional video. Despite quickly meeting with his new teammates at the training base, Buchanan hasn't yet participated in a full training session. As a result, he is expected to attend tonight's league match at the San Siro as a spectator to soak in the atmosphere before joining the squad for the next round of fixtures. Regardless, this transfer is secure and complete.

However, while Buchanan's transfer is settled, another deal that was once considered almost done might be jeopardized by Juventus' interference. This deal involves Portuguese center-back Tiago Djalo from Lille. Djalo's contract is set to expire this summer, and Inter's sporting director Piero Ausilio has been working on this transfer for some time. In October of last year, Djalo reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Inter for a five-year contract, indicating his willingness to join the club on a free transfer. According to Fabrizio Romano, there was no signed contract, only a gentleman's agreement.

However, the transfer market is full of uncertainties until the final moments. Inter's recent history has had its share of transfer dramas, with some individuals tarnishing their reputations for financial gain and others backing out of deals at the last minute. Djalo's situation appears to be following a similar path.

Transfer market expert Gianluca Di Marzio and other sources have confirmed that last night, Juventus held productive talks with Djalo's representatives. Djalo has shown openness to joining Juventus this winter, and the Turin club is confident of securing his signature for €3 million plus bonuses and offering a salary higher than Inter's proposed terms. Sky Sports Italia cautioned that it’s still too early to say Juventus has definitively signed Djalo, as Inter's response to the situation remains to be seen. They might also gather funds to match Juventus' offer.

However, Di Marzio suggests that Inter is likely to stick to their original plan: avoiding destructive bidding wars. Inter aims to sign Djalo on a free transfer in June. If the player insists on a winter move, forcing Inter to spend and increase wages, the club might abandon the pursuit. After all, with Buchanan’s arrival replacing the injured Juan Cuadrado, Inter doesn't urgently need to buy a center-back this winter. Even if they proceed with the purchase, balancing finances and registering the player for the Champions League presents additional challenges, potentially disrupting their plans and causing unintended consequences.

Inter has long adhered to a "no bidding war" policy, a principle that has cost them targets like Dejan Kulusevski and Gleison Bremer in recent years. Thus, it's not entirely surprising if they maintain the same stance this time. Ultimately, the decision to join Inter often hinges on the player's commitment to the club. For example, Marcus Thuram chose Inter over Paris Saint-Germain despite a more lucrative offer from the French giants. Similarly, Nicolò Barella joined Inter despite higher salary offers from Premier League clubs. These players' commitment has translated into outstanding performances and fighting spirit.

Now, with Djalo, we face a similar scenario. Will he be the next Thuram or another Bremer? The transfer market is unpredictable until the last moment. While Djalo has shown openness to joining Juventus, his final decision remains uncertain. Inter’s management is taking a pragmatic approach. If Juventus fails to secure him and Djalo still prefers Inter, it would earn him favor with the fans, as he would be seen as a player who respects the club’s principles. If Juventus succeeds, Inter will have lost a player who didn’t adhere to the gentleman's agreement, which isn’t a catastrophic outcome. They would simply shift their focus to other targets without resorting to desperate measures.

Fundamentally, Inter is a club struggling financially, walking a tightrope between financial stability and sporting success. Expecting Inter to engage in destructive bidding wars against financially robust clubs like Juventus or even PSG and Premier League giants is somewhat unrealistic. Avoiding such battles is perhaps the wiser course of action.

Inter's prudent approach to the transfer market, avoiding reckless spending, and focusing on players committed to the club's vision, reflects a sound strategy. This philosophy might not always yield immediate success in signing top targets, but it ensures long-term stability and aligns with the club's financial capabilities. As Inter navigates these challenging times, maintaining their principles and making strategic decisions is crucial for their sustained growth and success.