Inter Milan Executive Faces Fierce Criticism Over Rising Star: A Talent Snatched from Juventus Brings New Challenges

In Inter Milan’s resounding 4-0 victory over Lecce, a new star was born. At just 19 years and 3 months old, Akin Sanmiro made his debut for Inter Milan. In his brief appearance, Sanmiro impressed many with his confident demeanor, solid technical skills, and near-assist performance. Fans and pundits alike have taken notice, with many calling for more information about this rising star. The Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport has even published a special feature on him. This provides an excellent opportunity to delve into the controversies surrounding Sanmiro over the past year, offering a glimpse into Inter Milan’s strategic adjustments.

The Arrival of Akin Sanmiro

Akin Sanmiro joined Inter Milan in January 2023 from Nigerian Premier League side Limón Stars for a transfer fee of €466,000, with additional clauses and future payments. At the time, his agents Sam and Crescenzo Cesare brought him to Italy, claiming that several top clubs, including Real Madrid and Benfica, were interested in him. Whether this was an exaggeration is unknown, but both Inter and Juventus made concrete offers, as confirmed by sources within the agent community. According to lawyer Dimiani, many clubs wanted Sanmiro, but it was Inter’s decision-maker Piero Ausilio, assistant to the sporting director, who made the final call. “Real Madrid wanted Akin Sanmiro? Many teams did, but the player chose Inter. It was Ausilio who made the decision. It wasn’t an easy one,” Dimiani said.

Inter’s Strategic Investment

The 2022-23 season was financially challenging for Inter, yet they allocated their limited transfer budget and non-EU spots on players like Kristjan Asllani, Raoul Bellanova, and Akin Sanmiro, signaling a clear intent to rejuvenate the squad. This decision sparked significant controversy for two main reasons. Firstly, using a valuable non-EU spot on a young, relatively unproven talent affected Inter’s ability to sign other players. Gazzetta dello Sport pointed out that dedicating a non-EU slot to Sanmiro last season was akin to this season’s use for Tajon Buchanan. Secondly, many fans were concerned about the possibility of age fraud. Sanmiro emerged suddenly in 2020, with no previous appearances in club or national youth teams, making it difficult to trace his developmental path. Age manipulation to enhance marketability is not unheard of in some African leagues.

Integration and Development

When Ausilio brought Sanmiro to Inter, it wasn’t solely for the youth setup. Evidence of this is seen in his integration with the senior team from the moment he joined in January 2023. Over the past year, Sanmiro has spent most of his time training with the first team, making it to the matchday squad five times under Simone Inzaghi. Notably, he was included in the squad for the Coppa Italia final last season, earning recognition as part of the championship-winning team despite not playing.

Sanmiro’s performances in training have earned praise from the coaching staff, leading to his debut this season. He became the first youth player to feature in the senior team’s matches this season and the ninth Nigerian player in Inter’s history, following in the footsteps of legends like Kanu, Taribo West, and Obafemi Martins. Over the past year, Sanmiro’s physical growth has been significant. Initially, he was a small player, but now, according to authoritative sources, he stands at 6 feet (1.84 meters). This physical development dispelled some of the age-related concerns, as he is still clearly in his growth phase.

On-Field Performance and Potential

So far this season, Sanmiro has played 22 matches across the youth and senior teams, totaling over 1,700 minutes, scoring five goals and providing two assists. Having watched several of these games, it’s clear that Sanmiro primarily plays as a left-sided central midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation. He is a typical box-to-box player, possessing strong running abilities, decent dribbling, and good teamwork. However, his shortfalls include occasional over-dribbling and a lack of strong tackling and interception skills, though he displays a positive defensive attitude. His primary areas for improvement are his final pass and shooting accuracy in critical offensive zones, which can only be honed through more game time.

Future Challenges and Development Path

The biggest challenge facing Sanmiro and Inter is his future development. Having turned 19 last November, he will need to leave the youth team (U19) next season. Promoting him directly to the senior team to compete with seasoned players like Mkhitaryan and Zielinski seems daunting. It could potentially slow his development, especially considering his different trajectory compared to players like Carboni and Asllani, who have already played numerous Serie A matches for other clubs.

Ideally, a reserve team (U23) playing in a professional league would be the perfect environment for Sanmiro. However, this is not yet feasible. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter plans to loan him to a mid-to-lower-tier Serie A or Serie B team next season to gain experience. Finding the right club for such a crucial developmental phase won’t be easy. Integrating young talents directly into the first team remains a significant challenge for Inter, highlighting the need for continuous experimentation to find effective solutions.

Sanmiro’s Positive Attitude

Amidst these challenges, Sanmiro’s attitude remains exemplary. Reflecting on his debut, he said, “Where will I go next season? Right now, I’m just enjoying the joy of my debut. As for the future, wherever I go, the best approach is to work hard.” His willingness to work hard and adapt to new challenges bodes well for his future, regardless of where he plays next season.

Conclusion

Akin Sanmiro’s journey at Inter Milan has been marked by significant controversy and substantial challenges. Yet, his potential and positive attitude make him a promising prospect. As Inter navigates the complexities of developing young talent and integrating them into the first team, Sanmiro’s progress will be closely watched. His story is not just about one player’s development but also about the broader strategic adjustments and ambitions of Inter Milan.