Oaktree Capital's Youth Strategy at Inter Milan: Eight Veteran Players Facing an Uncertain Future

Inter Milan, a club synonymous with a blend of youth and experience, is on the verge of a significant transformation. While the Nerazzurri have had many reasons to celebrate in recent weeks—such as the strong performances by key players during the international break and Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni and Lionel Messi advocating for Lautaro Martínez’s Ballon d'Or candidacy—the looming shadow of change is evident. A central concern that has emerged is the future of nine players whose contracts could expire in the summer of 2025, all of whom may be victims of Oaktree Capital’s push for a youthful roster.

Oaktree Capital, the majority shareholder of Inter Milan, is reportedly keen on reshaping the squad by focusing on younger talent. This strategic shift could see a number of older, established players leave the club as Inter seeks to lower the average age of its squad and increase the potential resale value of its players. The question on everyone’s mind is, how many of these nine players will be forced to part ways with Inter as part of this youth-driven initiative?

The Nine Players at Risk

Of the nine players whose contracts may end in the summer of 2025, six are in their final year: Marko Arnautović, Matteo Darmian, Filippo Di Gennaro, Stefan de Vrij, Joaquín Correa, and Denzel Dumfries. The other three—Francesco Acerbi, Yann Sommer, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan—have contracts with unique clauses. Acerbi’s contract expires in 2025, but the club holds the option to extend it for one more year. Sommer’s contract, originally thought to be for three years, is reportedly a 2+1 deal, with the club having the option to trigger the final year. Meanwhile, Mkhitaryan’s deal runs until 2026, but it includes a special clause that allows Inter to negotiate an early termination in the summer of 2025.

Of these nine players, Dumfries is the only one for whom Inter is actively pursuing a contract extension. The futures of the other eight remain highly uncertain, with many analysts believing that the club’s ownership group will view this as an opportunity to make a clean break and implement their youth strategy.

Oaktree Capital's Vision: A Focus on Youth

The core of Oaktree Capital’s strategy is to bring in younger players, specifically those under the age of 25, who can develop within the club and potentially be sold for a profit in the future. This focus on player turnover and resale value is a significant departure from the previous approach at Inter, which often relied on experienced, battle-hardened veterans to deliver results.

For players like Acerbi and de Vrij, both of whom are over 30, this spells trouble. According to reports, Inter is unlikely to keep both center-backs, even though they have been instrumental in the team’s defensive structure in recent seasons. Acerbi’s agent, Federico Pastorello, recently confirmed that no renewal talks have begun. “If the club decides not to keep them, we will have to find new destinations. However, both players are happy to stay,” he said.

De Vrij, at 31 years old, has been a reliable presence in Inter’s backline, but his future is no more certain than Acerbi’s. Recent speculation suggests that Inter is considering younger alternatives, such as Jonathan Tah (29) and Jaka Bijol (26). However, Oaktree’s directive is clear: only players under 25 will be prioritized, with exceptions requiring special approval. Even Tah and Bijol, though younger than Inter’s current defensive options, may be deemed too old for Oaktree’s long-term vision.

The Impact on Veteran Players

For veterans like Marko Arnautović (35) and Matteo Darmian (34), the chances of securing a contract extension seem slim. Both players have contributed to Inter’s recent success, but their advancing ages make them unlikely candidates for renewal under Oaktree’s youth-first policy. Darmian, in particular, has been a versatile and dependable player for Inter, filling multiple roles across the defense. However, versatility and experience may not be enough to save him from the chopping block if Oaktree’s directive is to be strictly followed.

Yann Sommer’s situation is also worth monitoring closely. When he joined Inter from Bayern Munich, it was widely reported that he had signed a three-year contract. However, Gazzetta dello Sport has revealed that it is actually a 2+1 agreement, meaning that the club could part ways with him in the summer of 2025 if they decide not to trigger the third year. At 35, Sommer’s age certainly does not align with Oaktree’s focus on youth, making his future at Inter uncertain.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is another player whose contract situation includes a potential early exit. Though he signed a contract extension in December 2022 that runs until 2026, sources indicate that there is a clause allowing for discussions to terminate the deal in 2025. Mkhitaryan’s performances have been consistently strong, and he remains a key figure in the midfield, but his age (he will be 36 in 2025) could make him a prime candidate for Oaktree’s planned overhaul.

Could a Mass Exodus Lead to Financial Troubles?

One of the main concerns surrounding this potential mass exodus of veteran players is the financial impact it could have on Inter Milan. While the club may free up significant funds by not renewing the contracts of older players, there is a real question about whether they have the resources to adequately replace them.

Even if Inter opts to pursue free agents, they may struggle to sign high-profile replacements, as these players often demand hefty wages that do not align with Oaktree’s budgetary constraints. Furthermore, Oaktree’s strict guidelines on player age may limit Inter’s options in the transfer market, forcing the club to gamble on unproven, younger talents. Such a scenario could leave the squad dangerously thin, especially if the club is expected to compete for major honors in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League.

Rumors have already surfaced that Inter may need to rely on so-called “lottery tickets”—unproven players with potential upside, such as Exequiel Palacios—to fill the gaps left by departing veterans. This would be a significant risk, especially if the club remains under pressure to deliver results in the short term. With head coach Simone Inzaghi expected to maintain high standards, the squad’s lack of experience could prove to be a stumbling block.

The Inzaghi Dilemma: Can He Adapt?

Simone Inzaghi’s ability to navigate this period of transition will be crucial to Inter’s future success. The coach has shown an affinity for veteran players, often building his tactical approach around their experience and leadership. Should Inter undergo a significant overhaul, with many veterans leaving and younger, less experienced players taking their place, Inzaghi will need to adapt his methods accordingly.

There is already speculation about whether Inzaghi will be able to meet the demands of Oaktree Capital’s strategy. Some reports suggest that the club’s financial limitations, combined with the exodus of key players, could make it difficult for Inzaghi to achieve the results that are expected. If the team underperforms next season, Inzaghi’s position could be in jeopardy, leading to even more instability within the club.

The departure of veteran players may also have a psychological effect on the remaining squad. If a large portion of the team is uncertain about their future at the club, it could lead to a decline in morale and performance. Managing this situation will be one of the biggest challenges for both Inzaghi and the club’s leadership team, including managing director Giuseppe Marotta and sporting director Piero Ausilio.

Inter's Future in the Balance

The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be a defining moment for Inter Milan. Oaktree Capital’s youth-first strategy has the potential to reshape the club’s identity, but it also carries significant risks. As the club prepares to make difficult decisions about the futures of several key players, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team balances the competing demands of youth, experience, and financial stability.

With so many contracts up in the air and the possibility of a mass exodus of veteran players, the pressure is on Inter’s management to ensure that the team remains competitive at the highest level. The decisions made in the coming months will have far-reaching implications, not just for the players directly affected, but for the entire future of the club.