Inter Milan's Youth Movement: How Oaktree Capital's Strategy Could Signal the End for Eight Veteran Players

Inter Milan, historically a club that has mixed both experience and youth, is now at a critical juncture where its future could see a radical shift. The club’s ownership group, led by Oaktree Capital, is reportedly pushing for a strategic move towards a younger, more financially viable squad. This initiative, if fully implemented, could see as many as eight veteran players depart as early as the summer of 2025, with significant consequences for the team’s future on and off the field.

As Inter’s 2024-25 season progresses, their squad has begun to show signs of improved form, with a number of players performing well during recent international duty. Despite these positive developments, there are growing questions about the long-term future of several key players. At the heart of the debate is Oaktree Capital’s vision of a younger, more sellable squad, a strategy that could lead to the exit of multiple veterans who are either in the final year of their contracts or close to the end of their tenure with the club.

A Closer Look at the Contract Situations of Nine Key Players

Among the nine players whose contracts are being scrutinized, six are currently in the final year of their deals: Marko Arnautović, Matteo Darmian, Filippo Di Gennaro, Stefan de Vrij, Joaquín Correa, and Denzel Dumfries. Meanwhile, three others have slightly different contract situations: Francesco Acerbi’s deal runs until 2025, but Inter holds an option to extend it for another year. Yann Sommer’s contract, initially reported as a three-year deal, is believed by Gazzetta dello Sport to be a 2+1 agreement, with the club having the option to trigger the final year. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is contracted until 2026, but an intriguing clause could allow Inter to negotiate an early exit in 2025.

While Inter are reportedly working hard to extend Dumfries’ contract, the outlook for the other eight players is far less certain. Many Italian journalists who have discussed the situation on podcasts and in columns suggest that most of these players are unlikely to remain with the club past 2025. The reasoning for this stems from Oaktree Capital’s preference for a youthful squad, with the emphasis on signing players under 25 to maximize resale value. This presents significant obstacles for the older players nearing the end of their contracts.

Oaktree Capital's Influence on Inter's Squad Planning

Since Oaktree Capital took control of Inter Milan’s financial future, the club’s approach to player recruitment has gradually shifted. The American investment firm prioritizes financial sustainability, which includes trimming high salaries and avoiding long-term contracts for aging players. According to reports, Oaktree’s long-term plan is to reduce the average age of the squad, focusing on players who have a higher resale value and future potential, rather than extending contracts for older players whose market value is diminishing.

For players like Acerbi (35) and de Vrij (31), whose contracts are nearing their end, this policy creates significant challenges. In fact, recent reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Inter is likely to keep only one of the two center-backs, despite both having been key to the team’s defensive solidity in recent years. The club’s directors have been tight-lipped about negotiations, but agent Federico Pastorello, who represents both players, hinted at the difficulty of securing extensions under Oaktree’s current policy. “There haven’t been any renewal talks yet,” Pastorello said. “If the club decides not to keep them, we will look for a new destination. But both players would be happy to stay.”

The potential departure of players like Acerbi and de Vrij is not just a matter of age; it also ties into Oaktree’s strict guidelines for player recruitment. Reports suggest that Oaktree’s preference is to bring in players under 25, and any exceptions would require special approval. This means that even transfer targets like Jonathan Tah (29) and Jaka Bijol (26), who are still relatively young by footballing standards, could be considered too old under the current strategy. If such players are deemed "too old" to fit Oaktree's vision, it is easy to see how difficult it will be for veterans like Acerbi and de Vrij to secure contract extensions.

The Impact on Other Veterans: Arnautović, Darmian, and More

Beyond the center-back situation, several other veteran players could also be on their way out. Marko Arnautović (35) and Matteo Darmian (34), two players whose contracts are set to expire next summer, face an uphill battle to secure new deals. Both players have been reliable contributors for Inter, but their age makes them unlikely candidates for renewal under Oaktree’s youth-focused agenda.

Even players with more complex contract situations, such as Yann Sommer and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, may not be safe. Sommer, who joined Inter from Bayern Munich, was originally thought to have signed a three-year contract, but Gazzetta dello Sport insists the deal is actually a 2+1 arrangement. This means that the club could choose to part ways with him as early as 2025 if they decide not to trigger the option for the third year. Mkhitaryan, meanwhile, signed an extension last December that runs until 2026, but insiders have revealed that there is a clause in his contract allowing for negotiations to terminate the deal in 2025.

Such departures would leave a considerable gap in the squad, particularly in terms of experience and leadership. Players like Mkhitaryan have been vital in providing stability and tactical intelligence, especially in high-pressure matches. Should Inter part ways with multiple veterans simultaneously, it raises serious questions about how the club will maintain its competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.

The Bigger Picture: Can Inter Maintain Stability Amidst Change?

As Inter navigates these complex contract negotiations, one of the key concerns is how the club will maintain cohesion and consistency on the pitch. While younger players may bring energy and potential resale value, they often lack the experience and maturity needed to guide a team through difficult moments. For a club like Inter, which is consistently expected to compete for Serie A titles and make deep runs in the Champions League, balancing youth with experience is crucial.

There is also the issue of morale within the squad. If a significant portion of the team is unsure about their future, it could create an unsettling atmosphere, leading to inconsistent performances. Managing director Giuseppe Marotta and sporting director Piero Ausilio will need to carefully navigate this period of uncertainty, ensuring that players remain focused on the task at hand while also planning for the future.

One of the key decisions Inter must make is whether to invest in young talent or attempt to secure affordable, experienced replacements for departing veterans. Financial constraints mean that the club may not be able to sign high-profile replacements, even on free transfers, as such players are likely to command high salaries that don’t align with Oaktree’s vision. Instead, Inter may have to gamble on unproven players or those with lower wage demands, which could prove risky given the competitive nature of Serie A.

Inzaghi’s Role and Future in Doubt?

Simone Inzaghi’s position as head coach could also come under scrutiny if Oaktree Capital’s youth movement does not produce the desired results. Inzaghi has proven adept at managing veteran players, often relying on their experience to execute his tactical plans. If the club undergoes a significant overhaul next summer, replacing established stars with younger, less experienced players, Inzaghi will be tasked with adapting his system to accommodate this new reality.

There is already speculation in the media about whether Inzaghi would be willing to stay at Inter if the club’s financial and sporting ambitions do not align with his own. Some reports have suggested that a mass exodus of veterans, combined with a lack of high-quality replacements, could make it difficult for Inzaghi to achieve the results expected by the board and fans. Should the team struggle, the pressure on Inzaghi will undoubtedly increase, raising the possibility of a managerial change.

The summer of 2025 will be a pivotal moment for Inter Milan. Oaktree Capital’s push for a younger squad has the potential to reshape the club’s future, but it also carries significant risks. For now, Inter fans will be watching closely to see how the club handles the delicate balance between experience and youth, knowing that the decisions made over the next few months could define the next chapter in the club’s storied history.