Inter Milan’s Free Transfer Strategy Reignited: Targeting Jonathan Tah Amid Fierce Competition

Inter Milan is once again demonstrating its prowess in the art of free transfers, with a new high-profile target on the horizon: Jonathan Tah, the towering center-back of Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. Tah, long admired for his defensive capabilities, leadership, and consistency, is set to become a free agent next summer. Inter’s management, led by transfer maestro Giuseppe Marotta, sees an opportunity to secure the German international despite fierce competition from Europe’s top clubs.

The Backbone of Inter’s Squad-Building: Free Transfers

Over the past four seasons, Inter has mastered the free transfer market, adding 11 players without paying transfer fees. This strategic approach has become a hallmark of their squad-building process, allowing the club to remain competitive while adhering to financial limitations.

Here is a breakdown of Inter’s notable free transfers:

• 2021-22 Season: Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Edin Džeko, Alex Cordaz.
• 2022-23 Season: André Onana, Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
• 2023-24 Season: Marcus Thuram, Juan Cuadrado, Alexis Sánchez (return), Davy Klaassen.
• 2024-25 Season: Mehdi Taremi, Piotr Zieliński.

Players like Çalhanoğlu, Mkhitaryan, and Thuram have emerged as key contributors, highlighting the success of this strategy. However, relying on free transfers is not without challenges. It can strain the wage structure and increase agent fees, yet it remains a practical necessity for Inter to compete both on the pitch and in the financial arena.

Jonathan Tah: The Ideal Target

Born in Hamburg to Ivorian parents, Jonathan Tah is a 28-year-old center-back with 31 caps for the German national team. Standing at 6'5" and weighing over 100 kilograms, Tah is known for his physical dominance, aerial ability, and tactical intelligence. His leadership qualities and positional awareness make him a coveted asset for top European clubs.

Tah’s contract with Bayer Leverkusen will expire in June 2025, and his decision to not renew has placed him at the center of transfer speculation. Last summer, Leverkusen demanded €30-35 million for the defender, a figure that deterred potential suitors. As a free agent, however, Tah will be available without a transfer fee, igniting interest from clubs such as Barcelona, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich.

Fierce Competition from Europe’s Elite

Inter faces stiff competition in its pursuit of Tah. During the summer, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Barcelona were reportedly the closest to securing the player. However, various factors—including financial constraints, prioritization of other targets, and high asking prices—prevented these clubs from finalizing a deal.

Next summer, the competition will be even fiercer. Financially stronger clubs like PSG and Bayern Munich can offer higher wages and more attractive signing bonuses. Nevertheless, Inter holds two distinct advantages that may tip the scales in their favor.

Inter’s Unique Selling Points

1. Established Connections

The intermediaries who facilitated Benjamin Pavard’s move to Inter last summer are expected to assist in negotiations for Tah. These trusted agents have strong relationships with both the club and the player’s camp, which could streamline the process and position Inter favorably in the race.

2. Guaranteed Playing Time

While top clubs like Bayern can provide financial incentives, they cannot guarantee Tah a starting position. At Inter, however, Tah would be a cornerstone of the defensive line. With veterans Francesco Acerbi (36) and Stefan de Vrij (32) nearing the ends of their contracts, Tah would have a clear path to becoming a regular starter. His leadership and defensive prowess would be pivotal in a team aiming to maintain its competitive edge in Serie A and Europe.

Financial and Strategic Considerations

Tah currently earns a pre-tax salary of €6 million per year, amounting to a net income of just over €3 million. Inter is prepared to offer him a contract worth approximately €5 million net annually, a substantial increase. Although Oaktree Capital, Inter’s primary investor, generally avoids investing in players with limited resale value, they view Tah as a critical addition to refresh the squad and increase its overall market value.

Replacing an aging Acerbi with a 29-year-old defensive stalwart like Tah aligns with Inter’s broader strategy of balancing squad rejuvenation with maintaining competitiveness.

The December Showdown

A key moment in Inter’s pursuit of Tah will come on December 10, when the Nerazzurri face Bayer Leverkusen in the final group-stage match of the UEFA Champions League. This encounter could serve as an opportunity for Inter to engage with Tah’s representatives and lay the groundwork for a summer transfer.

Inter’s reliance on free transfers, born out of necessity, has become a defining feature of their recent success. The pursuit of Jonathan Tah represents the next chapter in this saga. By leveraging their connections and offering a clear path to a starting role, Inter hopes to secure a defensive linchpin who could shape the team’s future for years to come.