Inter Milan CEO Confirms Departure of Argentine Starlet: Croatian International Eyed for Defensive Reinforcement

TYC Sports in Argentina, Relevo in Spain, and France's L'Équipe have detailed the transfer transactions involving two of Inter Milan's young talents, Lucien Agoumé and Valentin Carboni. For Agoumé, Inter will receive a transfer fee of €4 million in 2024, plus a 50% sell-on clause. However, in 2025, Sevilla has the option to buy back 40% of the sell-on clause for another €4 million. Effectively, this means that if Sevilla activates this clause, Inter will achieve its expected target of selling Agoumé for €8 million with an additional 10% sell-on clause. Both clubs, known for their financial prudence, have crafted an innovative deal.

Valentin Carboni's transfer has been confirmed by Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta. "Valentin Carboni?" Marotta said. "We are negotiating with Marseille and will reach a temporary agreement, but we will always maintain control over the player’s rights." According to Fabrizio Romano and Argentina’s TYC Sports, Carboni will extend his contract with Inter until 2029 in early August, followed by a loan move to Marseille. Inter will receive a modest loan fee, and at the end of the season, Marseille will decide whether to activate the purchase option. If activated, Inter retains a buy-back clause; if not, it equates to a one-year loan. Given the high buyout fee (over €35 million), Carboni’s future remains uncertain, which is why Marotta describes the deal as "temporary." According to L'Équipe, Carboni is initially set to be a key attacking midfielder in Marseille's 4-2-3-1 system. It remains to be seen if the Argentine international can seize this opportunity to thrive.

Another significant development comes from Tier 0 source, Biazin, who reveals: "Inter Milan will complete the signing of a left-footed defender, but the most important name has not yet been disclosed." This statement follows media speculation about several potential defensive signings for Inter, each with their complications. Hermoso's salary is too high, and Inter cannot afford such a backup player. Ricardo Rodríguez is favored by coach Inzaghi, but Oaktree Capital, which holds significant influence at Inter, disapproves. Zenit's asking price for Renan is too steep. Nantes has set high obstacles for the sale of Zeze. Bijol, who has been a long-term target for Inter, has a price tag of at least €20 million and has recently been appointed captain multiple times, indicating Udinese's reluctance to sell.

In light of Biazin's revelation, Italian media have identified a new candidate for Inter's defensive reinforcement: 21-year-old Mauro Perković from Dinamo Zagreb and Croatia’s U21 national team. Two pieces of evidence support this link. Firstly, Inter's manager, Piero Ausilio, was spotted in the stands during the UEFA U21 Championship match between Croatia and Spain on June 24, 2023, presumably scouting potential recruits. Secondly, Perković’s agent, Stipe Lapic, visited Inter’s headquarters this summer. Whether Perković is the "most important name yet to be disclosed" remains to be seen.

Perković, born on March 22, 2003, is a left-footed player capable of playing both center-back and left-back. Standing at 1.85 meters, he has over 20 appearances for Croatia’s U19 and U21 teams and has been called up to the senior national team, though he has yet to make his debut. Last season, he played 21 league matches (20 starts) and seven Europa Conference League and qualifying games for Dinamo Zagreb, scoring twice (one left-footed shot from distance and one header from a set piece). His strengths lie in his aerial and ground duels. According to OPTA data, last season, across league and European matches, his ground duel success rate was 65% (averaging 3.9 wins per game), and his aerial duel success rate was 67% (averaging 1.9 wins per game). Additionally, he is versatile and adaptable, primarily playing as a left-back in a back four at his club and as a central defender, often the defensive leader, in Croatia’s youth teams.

With Alessandro Bastoni as Inter’s mainstay in defense and Carlos Augusto as a potential backup, Inter is in a position to take calculated risks with rotational players. Many fans support Inter’s attempt to develop a "new Bisseck," rather than continuously signing older players like Arnautović or Ricardo Rodríguez. This aligns with Inter’s new major shareholder's philosophy of pursuing players with resale value.

Inter Milan’s strategy of investing in young talent while maintaining financial prudence is evident in these transactions. The club aims to balance immediate performance needs with long-term sustainability, ensuring that young players like Agoumé and Carboni have the opportunity to develop, either within the club or through strategic loans. The potential acquisition of Perković further underscores Inter's commitment to building a squad that can compete at the highest level while maintaining financial stability.

As the transfer window progresses, Inter Milan's actions will continue to reflect their strategic approach to player acquisitions and development. The club’s focus on young talent and smart financial decisions positions them well for future success, both on and off the pitch.