Inter Milan Nears Free Transfer of €16 Million Defender, Another Defensive Prospect Faces Major Test

Following their 1-1 draw with Juventus, Inter Milan faced an unexpected challenge. Due to a malfunctioning water pump at Allianz Stadium, the players, drenched in sweat, had to endure the four-hour bus ride back to Milan in the early morning chill of 4°C before they could shower. Concerns were raised about potential illnesses from this ordeal. This incident underscored the ongoing challenges for Inter Milan, despite recent positive developments.

On a brighter note, several reports, including those from team reporter Guarro and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, have confirmed that Inter Milan is very close to securing the free transfer of Portuguese center-back Tiago Djalo from Lille. Guarro confidently stated, "The deal to sign Djalo is done. Unless the player changes his mind, Djalo will join Inter as a free agent next summer." Romano's assessment was more cautious but equally optimistic: "Inter remains very confident and optimistic about completing the free transfer of Djalo in June 2024. Negotiations are progressing well, and Inter hopes Djalo will be their first signing for next season."

According to regulations, Djalo cannot officially sign a pre-contract agreement until the new year, making "very close to completion" an appropriate description. The transfer market is unpredictable, and even deals seemingly set in stone can fall through at the last moment, as seen with the Samardzic case. Nonetheless, Inter's commitment to rejuvenating their defense is evident.

Inter Milan's financial constraints have been well-documented, making the strategic acquisition of free transfers crucial for the club’s future. Experts have also reported that Inter is considering a free transfer for Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski, although internal disagreements persist. Zielinski’s camp is demanding a commission of €5-6 million, and the player’s high salary, which does not benefit from tax incentives, would cost around €40 million over four years. Some within Inter’s transfer team prefer signing Monza’s newly capped international Colpani, who might command a substantial transfer fee but would have lower wages and could be paid in installments, making the total four-year cost potentially lower than Zielinski's.

Aside from the potential signing of Djalo, Inter's defense has two other notable updates. First, injury recoveries may be progressing faster than expected. The absence of defenders Alessandro Bastoni and Benjamin Pavard impacted Inter’s buildup play, transitions, and set-piece defense in the Derby d’Italia. Fortunately, after the match, Simone Inzaghi received positive news. Pavard has removed his knee brace and started the final phase of recovery training. If all goes well, he could return to action before the end of the year. Bastoni’s recovery is also ahead of schedule, and he may rejoin team training before the weekend clash against Napoli.

Secondly, during the midweek Champions League match against Benfica, Inzaghi plans to give rising star Yann Aurel Bisseck a starting opportunity. Inter has employed significant rotation in three of their four previous Champions League matches, and with qualification for the knockout stages already secured, this match is not decisive for topping the group. After the Derby d’Italia, Inzaghi confirmed the rotation, with regular substitutes like Carlos Augusto, Kristjan Asllani, Davide Frattesi, Stefan de Vrij, and Marko Arnautovic set to start. Additionally, Inzaghi will start German youngster Bisseck instead of bringing him on as a substitute. The extent of rotation could be even broader, depending on the fitness and recovery of Alexis Sanchez and Juan Cuadrado. Even players like Davy Klaassen, who have seen limited action, could get significant playing time. Performing well in these opportunities is crucial for these players to earn more chances, especially before the Coppa Italia and other domestic competitions begin.

This winter, Inter will face a packed schedule with no winter break due to commitments in the Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, and other tournaments. While seasoned defenders like Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Darmian remain valuable, their combined age nearing 70 is a concern. Both the transfer and coaching teams are aware of the need to manage their workload and simultaneously scout for new talent. The clear strategy involves integrating young prospects like Djalo and Bisseck, whose performances will be closely watched.

Inter Milan’s proactive approach in securing free transfers like Djalo and considering strategic moves for other players like Zielinski or Colpani underscores their commitment to financial prudence while maintaining competitive performance. The successful integration of young talents into the squad will be pivotal for Inter’s long-term ambitions, especially given the financial limitations they face.