Serie A’s Salvation! The Wealthy Backers! Inter Milan's Lukaku and Onana Mishaps Redeemed by a True Star

In the world of football, the phrase "Real Madrid product, guaranteed excellence" is often touted. But what about products from Inter Milan? For a while, Premier League fans might have advised against buying players from Inter. "Just look at Lukaku and Onana, what a disaster! You spend big money only to see them underperform, and then Inter comes back to rent them out, adding insult to injury! You try to recoup your investment, but no matter how hard you negotiate, you can’t get much back because the team is in dire financial straits..." These complaints from Premier League fans flooded social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook for a time.

Inter Milan has faced financial difficulties in recent years, leading to the high-priced sale of several players. The initial sales were not spectacular but had their moments, such as Achraf Hakimi, who joined Paris Saint-Germain. Though his performance at PSG was steady, his remarkable World Cup showing for Morocco significantly boosted his reputation, benefiting PSG. However, starting with Lukaku, Inter's reputation as a seller plummeted. If Inter could achieve financial self-sufficiency in the future without relying on player sales, a tarnished reputation might not matter. But CEO Giuseppe Marotta has repeatedly stated this season that Inter must get used to selling high-value players. In this context, Lukaku's disastrous behavior has likely harmed Inter’s reputation more than people realize.

Fortunately, before the Italian Super Cup, La Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sports extensively covered a player who could restore the reputation of "Inter Milan products": Marcelo Brozovic.

Before diving into Brozovic, let’s touch on an anecdote. A friend of mine who studied management, with a knack for beautiful writing and creativity, spent years trying to sign a contract with a Chinese online literature platform. Despite his continuous efforts and producing excellent work, he received little positive feedback. The editor's response was, "The writing is beautiful, the characters are well-crafted, and the story is interesting. But... it's just not selling!" This situation is quite common. There are always products that are excellent yet fail to sell well.

Similarly, in the football market, some players are very strong and excel in their positions but are just not marketable. Marcelo Brozovic is a prime example. For years, his exceptional running ability, comprehensive defense, organization, and interception skills made him a world-class player in the defensive midfielder position and a core figure for top clubs. He shone brightly in the World Cup, yet he remained a tough sell. During his peak years at 27-28, Brozovic’s contract with Inter included a €35 million release clause. Despite this, no wealthy clubs attempted to activate the clause, while far less talented midfielders were sold for tens of millions more, leaving many puzzled.

Today, Brozovic is living happily. Having lost his starting position at Inter due to injury, he accepted an offer from the Saudi league, securing a substantial transfer fee for Inter and earning a lucrative salary himself. In the Saudi league, Brozovic has been outstanding this season. In 23 league, AFC Champions League, and cup matches, he has scored 3 goals and provided 6 assists, establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in a star-studded league. Saudi media predict that Brozovic may win some individual awards by season’s end. "Marcelo has become an icon in Riyadh," commented Saudi media. "Perhaps we never realized just how powerful this player was."

Italian media have reported that Brozovic will attend the Italian Super Cup semifinals in person to cheer for Inter. If Inter reaches the final, he might even host a lavish celebration for his former teammates. After all, Riyadh is now his territory, and he is truly "not short of money" anymore.

Joining Brozovic at the semifinal will be Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Milinkovic-Savic’s situation is similar to Brozovic's. Despite his impressive performances in Serie A and his significant impact, he never secured a move to a bigger stage. Each year, rumors linked him with top clubs, but teams like Inter couldn't afford him, and Premier League giants were not convinced, often making lowball offers. As a result, Milinkovic-Savic had to move to the Saudi league at 28. This season, he has scored 9 goals and provided 5 assists in 22 matches across all competitions in Saudi Arabia, outshining some of the league’s highly paid stars.

In some ways, Milinkovic-Savic and Brozovic are similar—they are not easy to sell but are incredibly talented and perform exceptionally well. According to Italian media, many players who transferred from Serie A to the Premier League or PSG—like Lukaku, Onana, Scamacca, and a certain Slovakian player—have failed to impress, affecting future Premier League clubs’ interest and offer levels for Serie A talents. This is not good news for Serie A, which has transformed into a talent export league. However, players like Brozovic and Milinkovic-Savic proving their worth in the emerging wealthy Saudi league can pave the way for Serie A’s future.

The North Stand has stated that if Brozovic returns to San Siro in the future, he will be welcomed with cheers and applause. In contrast, Lukaku would face boos and ridicule. This difference is due to emotional factors but also because some players, even after leaving, continue to contribute to the team and deserve praise.

The Lukaku and Onana Debacles

Romelu Lukaku’s return to Chelsea from Inter Milan is often cited as one of the biggest flops in recent Premier League history. His underwhelming performances, injuries, and public dissatisfaction caused significant turmoil. Fans and pundits alike criticized his high transfer fee, which did not translate into impactful performances. Lukaku’s subsequent loan back to Inter, where he also struggled, only fueled further criticism and resentment.

Similarly, André Onana, who was sold to Manchester United, faced challenges adapting to the Premier League. His performances were inconsistent, leading to growing frustration among fans who had high expectations given his impressive stint at Inter. The transfer fees for both players were substantial, yet their inability to replicate their Serie A success in the Premier League left a bitter taste.

These high-profile failures have cast a shadow over Inter Milan’s reputation as a seller. Premier League clubs, wary of repeating such costly mistakes, might hesitate to engage in future transfers involving Inter players. This hesitation is detrimental to Inter’s financial strategy, which relies on selling high-value players to balance their books.

Brozovic: A Beacon of Hope

In contrast to Lukaku and Onana, Marcelo Brozovic stands out as a player who has maintained his high standards. His transfer to the Saudi Pro League not only provided Inter with a significant fee but also allowed Brozovic to showcase his talent on a new stage. His consistent performances, combined with his leadership on the field, have earned him accolades and admiration in Saudi Arabia. Brozovic’s success is a testament to his professionalism and ability to adapt, offering a glimmer of hope for Inter Milan’s transfer dealings.

Brozovic’s potential return to Inter, even as a supporter in the stands, highlights his enduring connection to the club. His willingness to support his former teammates in the Italian Super Cup underlines his loyalty and the positive impact he continues to have on the club’s culture. For Inter Milan, Brozovic’s story is a reminder that not all transfers are doomed to fail and that the right player can significantly contribute to the team’s success and reputation.

Milinkovic-Savic: Another Bright Spot

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s journey mirrors that of Brozovic. Despite being a highly talented midfielder with a proven track record in Serie A, he did not secure a move to a more prominent European club. His transfer to the Saudi Pro League, however, has been fruitful. Milinkovic-Savic has excelled, demonstrating his skills and proving his worth among some of the best players in the league. His success in Saudi Arabia not only enhances his own reputation but also indirectly benefits Serie A by showing that players from the league can thrive in competitive environments.

Milinkovic-Savic’s decision to attend the Italian Super Cup semifinals alongside Brozovic is symbolic. It represents a bridge between their past achievements in Serie A and their current success in Saudi Arabia. For Inter Milan and Serie A, it’s a chance to rebuild and strengthen their international reputation.

The Future of Inter Milan Transfers

The contrasting fortunes of Lukaku and Onana versus Brozovic and Milinkovic-Savic underscore the complexities of football transfers. While some deals may not work out, others can exceed expectations and provide long-term benefits. For Inter Milan, learning from these experiences is crucial. They must focus on nurturing and selling players who not only perform well on the pitch but also adapt successfully to new environments.

Brozovic’s success story offers a template for future transfers. By highlighting players who consistently deliver, both on and off the pitch, Inter Milan can restore its reputation and attract interest from top clubs willing to invest in proven talent. Moreover, the positive reception of Brozovic and Milinkovic-Savic in Saudi Arabia opens new avenues for player sales, offering financial stability and strategic partnerships with emerging leagues.

As Inter Milan navigates its financial challenges, the club’s ability to identify and develop marketable players will be pivotal. By focusing on players like Brozovic and Milinkovic-Savic, who can uphold the club’s standards and succeed internationally, Inter can reclaim its status as a reputable seller in the football market.