Inter Milan Secures Two New Income Streams: Euros Compensation Exceeds Barcelona, Scouts 23-Year-Old Defender

Inter Milan's current focus has been on generating funds through player sales. The club is actively looking to offload several players, including Joaquin Correa, Zinho Vanheusden, Ionut Radu, Lucien Agoume, Martin Satriano, and Valentin Carboni. While journalist Alfredo Pedullà reported that Inter and Marseille had agreed on a deal for Carboni potentially worth over €35 million, Fabrizio Biasin suggested that uncertainties remain, pending key discussions between the player and the club post-Copa America.

However, there have been some positive developments for the Nerazzurri, with the club securing two new income streams. One comes from a new training kit sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways, which will bring in €5 million per year for three years. Both Inter and Qatar Airways announced, "As the main training kit partner, Qatar Airways will be more integrated into Inter's club life." Previously, Inter had secured naming rights for their training base, earning €3 million annually. These two deals combined bring in €8 million per year, which, although lower than the average during the Suning era (with official financial reports indicating that Suning's sponsorship from 2017 for six seasons totaled €110 million, approximately €18.33 million per year), still represents an improvement in external revenue sources compared to "self-sponsorship."

The other new income stream comes from UEFA, with Inter set to receive €3.81 million in compensation for player participation in the Euros, a figure higher than that of other major clubs like Barcelona. The compensation is based on the number of players participating in the tournament, the duration of their participation, and takes into account the clubs the players have been with over the past two seasons (with transfer periods resulting in the compensation being split proportionally among multiple clubs). Inter will receive compensation for 13 players, totaling €3.81 million, the highest in Serie A, surpassing Bologna (€2.55 million), AC Milan (€2.46 million), Roma (€2.37 million), and Juventus (€2.33 million). This amount also sets a record for Inter's Euros compensation, significantly higher than the $2.3 million received for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. This record is notable considering that even Barcelona, with superstars like Yamal and Lewandowski, will receive only €3.16 million (as reported by Mundo Deportivo).

Inter is also actively seeking a new central defender, aiming to integrate a replacement for the departed Buchanan into the team early in the summer training camp. However, the previously rumored targets, Mario Hermoso and Ricardo Rodríguez, do not align with Oak Tree Capital's emphasis on resale value, adding an element of uncertainty to the situation. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano and Sky Italia, Inter’s ownership favors bringing in younger players, and the club is currently in discussions with 2-3 potential targets. One name that has emerged is Verona's 23-year-old Colombian defender Juan Cabal. Recently, Cabal's agents, Grossi and Schuster, visited Inter's headquarters.

Juan Cabal: A Versatile Young Prospect

Juan Cabal is known for his versatility, having played 33 Serie A matches in various positions: 17 as a left-back, 9 as a center-back, and even stints as a central midfielder and winger. Despite his offensive contributions (dribbling, key passes, shots, and crosses) being modest, his defensive stats are average among Serie A full-backs, with 1.6 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, and 3.1 ball recoveries per 90 minutes. Where Cabal truly excels is in aerial duels, boasting a 73.4% success rate, making him one of the standout "aerial powerhouses" among Serie A full-backs.

However, Cabal's aggressive style can be a double-edged sword. In his 33 Serie A appearances, he has received 11 yellow cards, indicating a high frequency of bookings. His propensity for sliding tackles and physical challenges also results in a higher-than-average number of fouls committed (one every 71 minutes). Additionally, Cabal has a tendency to be inconsistent, ranking high on the list of players responsible for critical errors leading to goals.

Overall, Cabal may not be the most polished gem but stands out for his relative affordability. He is among the targets Inter’s management is considering. With the transfer market still in its early stages, other potential candidates are expected to emerge soon.

Financial Boost from New Sponsorship and UEFA Compensation

Inter Milan’s new sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways marks a significant step in securing external revenue. The three-year agreement, worth €5 million annually, adds to the €3 million per year already earned from naming rights for their training base, totaling €8 million in new revenue. This figure, while lower than the average during the Suning era, represents a shift towards obtaining more external income compared to previous self-sponsorship deals.

Furthermore, Inter’s compensation from UEFA for player participation in the Euros stands at €3.81 million, the highest among Serie A clubs. This compensation, based on the number of participating players and their time in the tournament, sets a new record for Inter and surpasses the amount received from the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The high compensation amount underscores Inter’s significant contribution to the national teams and reflects the value of their players on the international stage.

Potential Transfer Targets and Strategic Planning

Inter Milan’s strategy of integrating a new central defender early in the summer training camp is crucial for team cohesion and tactical preparation. With Oak Tree Capital’s focus on young talent with resale value, Inter’s search for a suitable defender has led them to Juan Cabal. His versatility and aerial prowess make him a promising candidate, despite some inconsistencies and disciplinary concerns.

The emphasis on youth aligns with the broader strategy of building a team with long-term potential and financial sustainability. By focusing on young talents like Cabal, Inter aims to enhance their squad while also considering future transfer opportunities that align with the club’s financial objectives.

Inter Milan’s recent efforts to secure new income streams and strategically plan for player acquisitions reflect a proactive approach to both financial stability and competitive performance. The new sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways and the record compensation from UEFA for the Euros participation highlight Inter’s ability to generate external revenue and leverage their players’ international success.

The potential acquisition of Juan Cabal demonstrates Inter’s focus on young talent and versatility, aligning with their long-term strategic goals. As the club navigates the transfer market and prepares for the upcoming season, these developments will play a crucial role in shaping Inter Milan’s future both on and off the pitch.