Inter Milan's Three Major Concerns Await Solutions: Two "High Priests" Could Bring Funds Back, Correa Targeted by Wealthy Saudi Club

As Inter Milan prepare to head to the Middle East next Tuesday for the Supercoppa Italiana after their match against Monza, the team is looking more robust. Except for Juan Cuadrado, who is out for a long period following surgery, all other players are available. This signals the end of a two-and-a-half-month injury wave. Inter is almost ready to field their "strongest XI," except for one crucial area: the right flank. Denzel Dumfries represents one of Inter's three main concerns.

Dumfries: A Key Concern

Denzel Dumfries, who has been a key player for Inter, struggled in last weekend’s match, playing only 61 minutes and losing possession 12 times due to personal errors. Even in his strongest area—physical duels—his success rate was below normal, losing five out of ten combined aerial and ground duels. His lack of full-speed form post-injury is one aspect of his struggles. Another is his mindset, affected by contract renewal negotiations where he demanded superstar-level wages (€10 million pre-tax), which Inter has not positively responded to.

Team insiders suggest that while the transfer committee prefers to place Dumfries on the market by summer to avoid a scenario like that of a wealthy Parisian club, the coaching staff still values Dumfries’ potential. They are patiently waiting for the Dutch wing-back, who hasn't scored or assisted since October, to regain his form, hoping he can contribute in the latter half of the season. This weekend, however, coach Simone Inzaghi seems more inclined to trust Matteo Darmian. New signing Tajon Buchanan is unlikely to start but might debut, with the coach noting, “He has gone through three important training sessions, but he needs more time,” stressing the need for patience with the new recruit.

Sensi and Correa: Inter's Other Concerns

Apart from Dumfries, Inter’s other two major concerns involve Stefano Sensi and Joaquin Correa, affectionately nicknamed the "High Priests." There have been significant updates regarding these players.

Stefano Sensi's Potential Move

Stefano Sensi is a player Leicester City’s head coach Enzo Maresca has expressed a keen interest in. However, Leicester is currently unable to make a direct offer due to financial constraints. Maresca stated, “I know Sensi very well. He is a player I admire greatly, but our current situation doesn’t allow us to make moves. We need to sell before we can buy, primarily due to our relegation issues.” Leicester has faced significant deficits over the past two to three seasons, leading to stringent regulatory oversight. Therefore, they need to generate funds, and more importantly, acquire some “quota” to finalize Sensi’s signing. Inter’s asking price for Sensi is modest at €2 million, making it feasible once Leicester manages to sell players like Boubakary Soumaré. Sensi, anxiously waiting for the situation to unfold, has continued to train hard at Inter, displaying commendable professionalism.

Joaquin Correa’s Uncertain Future

Joaquin Correa, on loan at Marseille, has been a significant headache for Inter. Correa has played 11 times (8 starts) across all competitions this season, totaling 539 minutes, with zero goals and assists. His contributions have been minimal. During Marseille’s dense schedule in October and December, when Correa was expected to perform, he suffered physical issues twice. Overall, besides his cooking skills, Correa has failed to meet Marseille’s expectations. Initially, Marseille’s coach expressed trust in him, but mentions of Correa have since dwindled.

Marseille is evidently dissatisfied with Correa, and unless they secure a top-four league finish (triggering an automatic buy-out clause due to Correa’s loan terms) or Correa delivers outstanding performances in the latter half of the season, he is likely to be returned to Inter. Should this occur, Correa will once again become a problem for Inter.

There is, however, a silver lining. Argentine and Spanish media indicate that Correa’s mindset has shifted, and he is now considering offers from wealthy Saudi Arabian clubs. Previously, before his loan to Marseille, Correa had received offers from the Middle East but turned them down, confident he could still compete in the top European leagues. Now, with Inter finding it hard to locate a willing suitor in the major leagues due to financial constraints of smaller clubs and the lack of interest from wealthier ones, Correa is open to discussions with Saudi clubs. Media sources suggest Correa’s primary plan is to secure a move to the Premier League or Serie A if returned to Inter. His secondary plan involves joining a Saudi club, with one Saudi club reportedly having “locked in” on Correa.

Inter's Investment and Potential Recoup

Inter invested nearly €60 million in Sensi and Correa combined, which clearly hasn’t paid off as expected. Nevertheless, dwelling on past mistakes is futile. The focus now is on whether Inter can recoup some of their investments as these players potentially move on.

The Broader Picture

Inzaghi’s squad management has been critical in navigating a challenging period marked by injuries and inconsistent performances. With key players returning to full fitness, the team’s depth and tactical flexibility are gradually being restored. The return of key players like Lautaro Martinez and Nicolo Barella, who have been pivotal in maintaining Inter’s competitive edge, complements this recovery. The resolution of Dumfries’ form and contract issues, coupled with the potential moves for Sensi and Correa, will be crucial in ensuring the team’s stability and financial health.

Dumfries' Situation

Dumfries’ case highlights the delicate balance between player management and contractual negotiations. Inter’s cautious approach reflects their understanding of his value and potential impact. While his form has been inconsistent, the coaching staff’s patience underscores their belief in his ability to turn things around. The upcoming matches will be critical in determining Dumfries’ future at the club and his potential contributions in the latter half of the season.

Sensi’s Transfer Prospects

Sensi’s situation at Leicester represents a pragmatic approach by Inter to offload surplus players while ensuring they remain competitive. The financial constraints faced by Leicester highlight the broader economic challenges in football, influencing transfer strategies. Sensi’s potential move could provide Inter with the necessary funds to reinvest in the squad, ensuring they remain competitive on multiple fronts.

Correa’s Future

Correa’s loan spell at Marseille underscores the complexities of loan agreements and player expectations. His performance and subsequent dissatisfaction at Marseille reflect broader issues in player utilization and fitness management. Correa’s potential move to Saudi Arabia signifies a pragmatic approach to resolving his future while ensuring Inter can recoup some of their investments. The evolving transfer landscape, influenced by financial dynamics and player aspirations, will play a crucial role in determining Correa’s next steps.

Conclusion

Inter Milan’s journey this season has been marked by strategic challenges and player management issues. The resolution of Dumfries’ form, Sensi’s potential transfer, and Correa’s future will be pivotal in shaping the team’s prospects. As Inzaghi prepares for the upcoming Supercoppa Italiana and the latter half of the season, the careful management of these key concerns will determine Inter’s ability to remain competitive and achieve their objectives. The broader economic context and evolving transfer dynamics will continue to influence Inter’s strategies, ensuring a dynamic and challenging environment in the world of football.