Inter Milan's Executives Reveal Potential Winter Transfer Departures: Coaches' Moves Hint at Retaining €21 Million Duo

Following Inter Milan's impressive 3-0 victory over Napoli, the team was given a well-deserved day off. With a lack of fresh news, the Italian media turned their attention to Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta and Sporting Director Piero Ausilio for an interview, hoping to extract some juicy tidbits about potential winter transfer activities. Known for his straightforwardness, Ausilio stated, "We will not engage in the winter transfer market unless an opportunity arises, in which case we might leave a window open." This indicates that Inter Milan will only consider making moves if they find high-value, beneficial opportunities. Marotta echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the strength of the current squad and the difficulties of finding such opportunities in the January transfer window.

Assessing the Squad and Potential Outgoings

As of now, 24 players have made appearances for Inter Milan across all competitions this season, and this number is expected to rise to 25 or 26 with the upcoming Coppa Italia matches. Coach Simone Inzaghi is unlikely to field his strongest lineups in the early rounds of the cup, opting instead for a mix of starters and reserves. This strategy will give opportunities to fringe players like Stabile and young talents such as Dejan Stankovic's son, who have been training diligently with the team.

Given the focus on managing resources, Marotta mentioned the possibility of loaning out several players. This has sparked speculation among market experts about which players might be on their way out. The current squad can be categorized into four groups: key starters like Acerbi, Lautaro Martinez, and Marcus Thuram; near-starters like Darmian and De Vrij; rotational players such as Carlos Augusto and Juan Cuadrado; and fringe players who are only called upon under specific circumstances, such as multiple injuries in a position.

Likely Loan Candidates

Marotta's comments have put the spotlight on five potential loan candidates: Yann Bisseck, Kristjan Asllani, Davy Klaassen, Stefano Sensi, and Lucien Agoume. Among these, Sensi is considered the least likely to be loaned out, as his high salary (including taxes) makes it difficult for other clubs to afford him. Additionally, his contract is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning a loan move would primarily be a cost-saving measure rather than a strategic one.

Agoume is the most likely candidate for a loan move. The French player received several loan offers last summer, but he declined them, hoping to secure a place in the Inter squad. However, after spending the first half of the season mostly on the bench, he might be more open to a temporary move to gain playing time.

Klaassen is another strong candidate for a loan move, with rumors of a return to Ajax circulating in the Dutch media. He has also attracted interest from other clubs, making a loan move in January a realistic possibility.

The Case for Retaining Asllani and Bisseck

Despite the speculation, Asllani and Bisseck may not be among those leaving in January. In the recent match against Napoli, both players were seen warming up in preparation for potential substitutions, indicating that Inzaghi has some level of trust in them. Bisseck eventually made it onto the field, and Asllani was set to come on before two unexpected substitutions altered the plan. This shows that these two players are slightly ahead of others in the pecking order and are considered valuable squad members.

Asllani, in particular, holds strategic value. Hakan Çalhanoğlu, a key player for Inter, is not known for his endurance and cannot be expected to sustain peak performance across multiple competitions. Asllani provides essential depth and could be crucial in ensuring that Çalhanoğlu remains effective throughout the season. Given Inter's financial constraints, finding a suitable replacement for Asllani who is both effective and affordable would be challenging. Therefore, it makes sense for the club to retain him for squad depth.

Bisseck's situation is similarly nuanced. With frequent injuries affecting Inter's defensive line, his role has become increasingly important. Despite financial pressures, Inter invested €21 million in Asllani and Bisseck, indicating a commitment to their development and a need for patience.

Financial Considerations and Strategic Moves

Inter Milan's current financial situation necessitates careful management of resources. The potential prize money from the Coppa Italia, which could total up to €15 million, adds an extra layer of consideration. The club will likely approach the early rounds with a pragmatic mindset, using a mix of starters and reserves to navigate through the less lucrative stages. This approach not only conserves the energy of key players but also provides valuable playing time for those on the fringes of the squad.

Marotta’s swift dismissal of rumors regarding a potential move for Nahitan Nandez further illustrates Inter's cautious approach to the winter transfer window. The focus is on maintaining squad balance and avoiding disruptive moves that could harm team cohesion. This strategy is underscored by the club's emphasis on only engaging in high-value transactions that make strategic sense.

Conclusion

Inter Milan's winter transfer activities are likely to be minimal, focused more on loaning out fringe players rather than making significant signings. The club's executives have made it clear that the current squad is strong and well-balanced, and any moves made in January will be carefully considered to ensure they do not disrupt this balance. While Agoume and Klaassen are the most likely candidates for loan moves, Asllani and Bisseck are expected to stay and continue contributing to the team's efforts across multiple competitions.

By managing resources wisely and providing opportunities for both seasoned and young players, Inter Milan aims to navigate the challenges of a congested fixture list and maintain their competitive edge in Serie A and beyond.