Inter Milan's Midfield Battle Decided? Two Major Winter Window Exits Revealed

As the holiday season rolls around, Serie A does not pause for a winter break this year. Inter Milan's biggest gift to their players is a rare two-day break since late July. However, the club's management remains busy, pushing forward with various deals and negotiations. Among these, the free transfer of Piotr Zielinski is progressing steadily. Multiple market experts confirm that Zielinski has, in principle, agreed to a "3+1" contract with Inter. To prevent the player from using Inter's offer to leverage a better deal from Napoli, the Nerazzurri hope to finalize the signing early in the new year.

Another priority for Inter is the acquisition of Tajon Buchanan. The club aims to secure Buchanan on a loan deal with an option to buy, contingent on certain conditions, keeping the total cost under €12 million. Buchanan is keen on the move to Inter, and his recent absence from league matches is reportedly due to his focus on the transfer.

Simultaneously, Inter is actively pursuing contract extensions for players like Matteo Darmian and Nicolò Barella. However, fans remember CEO Giuseppe Marotta's recent statement: some players will leave in the winter window. A few weeks ago, Italian media identified the five most likely departures: Bisseck, Asllani, Klaassen, Sensi, and Agoumé. Reviewing the situation now, it's clear the dynamics have shifted.

Bisseck and Asllani Secure Their Places

Recent performances have solidified Yann Aurel Bisseck’s status as a valuable rotation player. Without exaggeration, Bisseck's consistent displays have earned him the North Stand's approval. His pragmatic goal is not to become a starter but to secure as much playing time as possible.

Kristjan Asllani’s situation mirrors Bisseck’s. Despite limited total minutes this season, the Albanian international has appeared in 17 of Inter's 24 matches across all competitions, with three starts and 14 substitute appearances, participating in 71% of the games compared to 50.8% last season. Inter’s clear stance is to allow these young talents to develop without undue pressure, ensuring they gain experience steadily. Both players have become part of Simone Inzaghi's "20 starters," effectively integrating into the squad's regular rotation and are now expected to stay past the winter window.

Agoumé, Sensi, and Klaassen: The Departure Debate

Among the remaining three, Lucien Agoumé is the most likely to leave, having struggled for playing time. The focus, however, shifts to the debate surrounding Stefano Sensi and Davy Klaassen. Many experts suggest Inter prefers to retain Klaassen and offload Sensi, as it’s unlikely both will be moved, given Henrikh Mkhitaryan needs a reliable backup. The Armenian veteran has been impressive in the first half of the season, but with no international breaks from December to March and a congested schedule, expecting a 35-year-old to maintain peak performance across all fronts is unrealistic.

In Inter's midfield, Asllani is Hakan Çalhanoğlu's backup, Davide Frattesi rotates with Barella, and either Sensi or Klaassen would serve as Mkhitaryan's deputy. Recently, Klaassen has received more opportunities than Sensi, starting in the Coppa Italia rotation and featuring against Lecce. Despite initial poor performances, Klaassen's gradual improvement has been noted, though his pace remains a concern.

Financial and Injury Considerations

The primary factors influencing Inter's decision are financial and injury-related. As a financially constrained club, Inter cannot afford highly paid substitutes. Marcelo Brozović's departure was partly due to this issue. Among the squad, excluding Agoumé and the third goalkeeper, the four lowest-paid players are Bisseck, Asllani, Filippo Odigard, and Klaassen. In contrast, Sensi's annual pre-tax salary of €3.7 million, with additional bonuses, is almost equal to the combined salaries of Bisseck, Asllani, and Klaassen. Given his high wages and limited utility, Inter would naturally try to move Sensi, potentially saving €2 million in the winter window—funds that Marotta could use for new signings.

Moreover, Sensi's injury history makes him a less reliable option. Inter’s management worries about his tendency to get injured when the team needs him most. In contrast, Klaassen’s durability provides more assurance. As such, Italian media suggest Inter is more inclined to offload Sensi due to financial constraints and injury concerns. Nonetheless, the final decision will depend on market feedback, as finding a club willing to take on Sensi's high salary for six months won't be easy.

Conclusion

As the winter transfer window approaches, Inter Milan faces critical decisions regarding their midfield composition. Bisseck and Asllani have earned their places, while Agoumé is likely on his way out. The real debate centers on Sensi and Klaassen, with financial and injury considerations tilting the balance in favor of retaining Klaassen. Inter's management will need to navigate these complexities carefully, balancing immediate needs with long-term strategy. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the final roster that will compete for the remainder of the season.