Inter Milan's Rising Stars: Market Interest and Agent's Scorn for Real Madrid's Spending Habits

Recently, one of the hottest topics in football has been the acquisition of Portuguese club Portimonense by Suning, Inter Milan's former parent company. This Luxembourg-based subsidiary of Suning is purchasing the 109-year-old club, including its youth academy, for a total of 80 million euros. The news has been confirmed by renowned Portuguese media outlet A Bola and Portimonense's majority shareholder, Theodoro Fonseca. Last season, Portimonense was relegated from the Primeira Liga to the Segunda Liga, but this season, they are favorites for promotion back to the top tier. Many fans have requested a discussion on this matter. Although this topic may seem somewhat related to Inter Milan, it's primarily due to the funds likely originating from the capital raised by Zhang Jindong using Inter's ownership as collateral to secure financing from Oaktree Capital. However, this discussion involves sensitive issues such as China Construction Bank's pursuit of debts from Suning and the complexities of international financial litigation, which are beyond the scope of this article. Instead, let's focus on Inter Milan's recent market activities, particularly the interest and offers for players Yann Aurel Bisseck and Alessandro Bastoni.

Bisseck's Market Appeal

Yann Aurel Bisseck has attracted significant attention in the transfer market, with offers from various top leagues, including the Bundesliga and the Premier League, reaching around 12 million euros. Inter Milan initially acquired Bisseck for 7 million euros, payable in three installments, with two payments still outstanding. Selling the German defender now would provide immediate capital gains and improve cash flow. However, Inter has shown no interest in entertaining these offers due to Bisseck's impressive progress during the summer training sessions. The club is convinced that 12 million euros is insufficient to part with him.

Inter Milan sees considerable potential in Bisseck, estimating that his market value could reach 30 million euros or more within 1-2 years. There are three primary factors that could drive up his value. First, Bisseck is making rapid progress. Second, his importance to the team is growing; last season, he made 16 Serie A appearances (9 starts and 7 as a substitute, totaling 904 minutes), and this season, his playing time is expected to double. Third, he is likely to break into the German national team soon. Even if he doesn't immediately secure a starting position, just being called up would increase his market value. From a business perspective, selling Bisseck now would be unwise.

Bastoni's Value and Real Madrid's Interest

Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni has also garnered significant attention, with Real Madrid reportedly making an offer of around 30-40 million euros. Bastoni's agent, Tullio Tinti, confirmed that while Manchester City previously expressed interest, Real Madrid recently attempted to negotiate a transfer. However, Inter is adamant about not selling Bastoni. This stance was corroborated by Spanish media outlets such as Marca and Mundo Deportivo.

The news sparked considerable mockery on social media, with even Real Madrid fans questioning the club's valuation. Bastoni, a 25-year-old Italian international and a key player for Inter, recently extended his contract. Despite his market valuation being over 60 million euros according to Real Madrid's own media, the club's offer fell short. Tinti explained that Real Madrid tends to be frugal when it comes to spending on defenders compared to their investment in forwards.

Real Madrid's reluctance to spend big on defenders is evident in their recent transfer history. The club spent a total of 72 million euros, including add-ons, to sign forward Endrick and over 100 million euros on Jude Bellingham last season. However, they are hesitant to invest similar amounts in defenders. The Times previously revealed that before Manchester United signed Lisandro Martinez, Real Madrid had shown interest, driven by coach Carlo Ancelotti. However, Real Madrid's bid of 25-30 million euros was deemed insufficient, leading to Manchester United swooping in with a significantly higher offer.

Inter Milan values Bastoni highly, with estimates suggesting his market value could be around 80 million euros. The club's current squad valuation has surpassed 700 million euros, a peak not seen since the Thohir era, when it hovered around 300 million euros. Among the core players, both 25-year-old Bastoni and 23-year-old Bisseck are expected to see their market values rise further. Consequently, despite their attractiveness in the transfer market, Inter has no intention of letting them go at this time.

Inter Milan's Strategic Position

Inter Milan's strategy regarding player transfers reflects a balance between financial pragmatism and sporting ambition. The club's refusal to sell Bisseck and Bastoni at current market rates underscores their belief in the players' potential to significantly increase in value. Inter's financial strategy, particularly under the ownership structure influenced by Oaktree Capital's financing, is geared towards long-term gains rather than short-term liquidity.

For Bisseck, the club's patience is rooted in his developmental trajectory. His rapid improvement, increasing importance to the team, and potential national team recognition make him a valuable asset whose worth is likely to grow. Selling him prematurely would not align with Inter's financial or sporting goals.

Bastoni's situation is similar but compounded by his established role as a key player in Inter's defense. The club's stance against selling him to Real Madrid for a lower-than-expected fee is a testament to their commitment to maintaining a competitive squad. Bastoni's market value, bolstered by his performances and age, positions him as a cornerstone for Inter's future. The club's decision not to sell is not just a financial calculation but a statement of their sporting ambitions.

Market Dynamics and Future Prospects

Inter Milan's approach to the transfer market reflects broader trends in football economics. Clubs increasingly value long-term strategic planning over immediate financial gain, especially when dealing with young and promising talents. The cases of Bisseck and Bastoni highlight how market dynamics are influenced by a player's potential growth, their role within the team, and the broader financial landscape of the club.

For Inter, the future looks promising with their current crop of players. Maintaining a competitive edge in Serie A and performing well in European competitions will be crucial. The club's financial health, bolstered by prudent transfer decisions, positions them well for sustained success.

In the transfer market, Inter Milan has shown that they are not merely sellers but strategic negotiators who understand the value of their assets. By holding onto players like Bisseck and Bastoni, they ensure that the team remains strong and that their investments yield higher returns in the future. This approach not only strengthens the squad but also sets a benchmark for other clubs navigating the complex financial terrain of modern football.