Inter Rejects Juventus Bidding War for Kaba, Two New Stars Join with More to Come

In a series of detailed articles from Gazzetta dello Sport, the spotlight was on two major stories concerning Inter Milan. The first, which made the front page, focused on Juventus' involvement in the Kaba transfer deal, sparking comparisons to the Bremer saga. However, a closer look reveals a more nuanced situation. According to reports from Di Marzio and Pedulla, Inter had been in talks with Kaba's team and the opposing club for a while. However, Inter was firm on their price, offering up to €8 million against the €10 million asking price, leading to a stalemate. The news that Kaba would visit Turin added an intriguing twist. Sources in Turin confirmed Juventus' interest, acknowledging Kaba's strong aerial presence despite his average dribbling and passing skills. However, Juventus' primary target remains Todibo, and they are not willing to overpay for Kaba. Whether Juventus' involvement is a genuine attempt to sign Kaba or a tactic to inflate the price remains to be seen. One thing is clear: Inter is not willing to engage in a bidding war and will shift targets if Kaba loses his cost-effectiveness.

The second article delved into Inter’s aggressive youth recruitment strategy under Oak Tree Capital. In a recent 3-2 victory over Lugano, newly signed 18-year-old star Topalovic made a notable substitute appearance, impressing with his incisive passing. This performance led to comparisons with De Bruyne, though Topalovic himself modestly downplayed such comparisons. Meanwhile, center-back Alex Perez from Betis has arrived in Milan. According to Di Marzio, the 1.93-meter defender joins on a loan deal with an option to buy. Nicknamed the “new Pique,” Perez is known for his technical skills and precise passing rather than physicality. He is expected to train with the first team but will also play in reserve matches, depending on the coaching staff’s decisions and potential injuries to first-team players.

Gazzetta dello Sport emphasized that Inter’s youth signings will continue. Oak Tree Capital believes that after signing veterans Taremi and Zielinski, Inter needs to bolster their ranks with young talents. Without significant financial backing from Oak Tree, Inter focuses on low-cost prospects. The next potential signing is Giovanni Leoni, born in 2006, who made 12 appearances for Sampdoria in Serie B last season. Leoni, standing at 1.93 meters, is known for his technical ability, aggressive style, and attacking contributions as a wide center-back in a back three formation. Despite recently extending his contract with Sampdoria, market experts believe Inter can secure his rights, likely leaving him on loan at Sampdoria for a year. This strategy aligns with Oak Tree Capital's directive to stockpile young talent, aiming for long-term benefits despite uncertain immediate impacts on the first team's performance.

Juventus’ Interest in Kaba: A Closer Look

The front-page story from Gazzetta dello Sport drew significant attention, highlighting Juventus' involvement in the Kaba transfer. Some speculated this to be another instance of Inter losing a target to Juventus, similar to the Bremer situation. However, a detailed examination of the transfer dynamics tells a different story.

Inter had been negotiating with Kaba’s representatives and the selling club for a considerable time. Despite ongoing discussions, Inter remained firm on their €8 million offer, which was €2 million shy of the €10 million asking price. The stalemate persisted, and rumors of Kaba’s visit to Turin surfaced, raising eyebrows.

Reports from Turin confirmed Juventus’ interest in Kaba, acknowledging his strong aerial abilities. Nevertheless, Juventus prioritizes signing Todibo and is unwilling to overpay for Kaba. This leaves room for speculation on whether Juventus' interest is genuine or a ploy to drive up the price, complicating Inter’s pursuit.

Inter’s position is clear: they will not engage in a price war. The club values Kaba as a rotation player and will not overextend financially for his signing. If other clubs drive up the price, Inter will promptly seek alternatives, maintaining a focus on cost-effective signings.

Inter’s Youth Recruitment Strategy

The second Gazzetta dello Sport article highlighted Inter’s ongoing youth recruitment under Oak Tree Capital. In their recent friendly against Lugano, 18-year-old Topalovic made an impressive debut. Substituted in the 61st minute, Topalovic showcased his potential, drawing comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne. Despite the hype, Topalovic himself remains humble, aiming to develop his style without overstated comparisons.

Alongside Topalovic, center-back Alex Perez from Betis has joined Inter. According to Di Marzio, Perez, who stands at 1.93 meters, is seen as a technical and strategic defender rather than a physical powerhouse. Perez, dubbed the “new Pique,” is expected to balance training with the first team and playing in reserve matches, depending on the first team's needs.

Inter’s recruitment drive is far from over. Oak Tree Capital, recognizing the need for youthful vigor after signing experienced players like Taremi and Zielinski, plans to continue acquiring young talents. Financial constraints mean Inter focuses on promising prospects rather than established stars. The next target, Giovanni Leoni, embodies this strategy. At just 17, Leoni has already made his mark in Serie B with Sampdoria, showing remarkable technical and physical attributes. Despite his recent contract renewal with Sampdoria, market experts believe Inter can secure his transfer, likely allowing him to continue developing at Sampdoria on loan.

Long-Term Vision

Inter’s focus on youth under Oak Tree Capital aligns with a long-term vision. Despite potential immediate challenges, building a robust pipeline of young talent is crucial for sustained success. This strategy aims to balance the squad with a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, ensuring depth and future growth.

The emphasis on young talent also reflects financial pragmatism. With limited funds for high-profile signings, Inter's approach is to identify and nurture low-cost prospects, aiming for significant returns on investment. This method, though risky, offers the potential for substantial rewards if these young players develop into top-tier professionals.

Immediate and Future Prospects

Inter’s recent signings, including Topalovic and Perez, highlight the club’s commitment to this strategy. While immediate impacts on the first team might be uncertain, these acquisitions provide depth and future options. The coaching staff's willingness to integrate young players into the first team setup will be crucial in determining the success of this approach.

The ongoing search for young talent, exemplified by the interest in Leoni, indicates Inter’s proactive stance in the transfer market. This approach, driven by Oak Tree Capital’s directives, aims to build a foundation for sustained success, balancing current performance with future potential.

Inter’s strategic approach under Oak Tree Capital reflects a blend of financial prudence and forward-thinking. The decision to avoid a bidding war for Kaba underscores a disciplined transfer policy. Concurrently, the focus on young talent, seen in the signings of Topalovic and Perez and the pursuit of Leoni, aligns with a long-term vision for growth and success.

While the immediate impact on the first team remains to be seen, this strategy provides a framework for sustained competitiveness. Inter’s ability to balance experienced signings with the development of young prospects will be key in navigating the challenges and opportunities of the coming seasons.