The Second Star Will Generate Over 50 Million Euros for Inter: Inzaghi's Demand for a Specific Type of Forward Revealed

This weekend, following their league match, Inter Milan will kick off a grand celebration of their championship victory. The festivities will include a five-hour parade, complete with floats, airships, balloons, and massive aerial banners, offering a spectacular party for their large fan base. For Italian Nerazzurri supporters, this is a long-awaited celebration—the last time they experienced something similar was over a decade ago (the 2021 celebration was limited by mask restrictions). Many are asking about the tangible benefits of this second star. How much additional revenue can Inter expect? Previous reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport estimated an increase of over 50 million euros. Sky Sports reported a potential gain of 170 million euros, though this figure includes all potential earnings from next season's Champions League participation, which is misleading since many of these earnings cannot be attributed solely to the championship win. Financial experts project an additional revenue of approximately 55 million euros.

Breakdown of the Revenue Increase

Television Broadcasting Rights

In terms of league television broadcasting rights, Inter Milan earned 87 million euros last season as the third-place team. This season, the change in their ranking is expected to bring an additional 13 million euros, breaking the 100 million euro mark.

Champions League Earnings

Inter, along with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, has secured a top seed in next season's Champions League. The new Champions League format will significantly increase Inter's guaranteed earnings by separating them from the same prize pool as the second to fifth-placed Serie A teams. Next season's Champions League earnings, tied to performance and win rates, will see a base revenue increase—guaranteed even if they lose all their matches—of about 10 million euros compared to this season, counted as part of the championship’s additional revenue.

Sponsorship Bonuses

Sponsorship bonuses are another significant source of income. Contracts with sponsors like Nike and Paramount include special clauses that activate bonuses upon winning the championship. These bonuses are expected to total around 12 million euros.

Merchandise Sales

The most substantial revenue boost comes from jersey sales featuring the second star. The peak sales period for the new jerseys is expected to be in July (due to issues with the main sponsor). For decades, all versions of Inter's jerseys have featured just one star, so the market demand is high. Estimates suggest revenue from these sales could reach 24 million euros, a 11 million euro increase from last season’s 13 million euros. The actual figures could be even higher. Following their derby win, Inter's official championship T-shirts and hats (priced at 21.99 euros, 24.99 euros, and 27.99 euros) have been selling rapidly, with stocks constantly replenished, generating significant revenue from these interim items alone. Therefore, the 24 million euro estimate for jersey sales could very well be surpassed.

Financial Implications

Overall, financial experts estimate that the second star will bring in additional revenue of about 55 million euros. Inter's total revenue for this season is expected to exceed 500 million euros, with a projected season deficit of around 35 to 40 million euros. There are still some variables, such as whether Marseille can win the Europa League, triggering a mandatory purchase of Joaquín Correa. This scenario explains why many loyal fans have suddenly become ardent "30-year Marseille supporters." Currently, Inter's financial situation is significantly better than it was 2-3 years ago. CEO Beppe Marotta has stated several times that the current financial stability brings more security.

Current Focus: Contract Renewals and Special Applications

Inter Milan is now busy "rewarding achievements." According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, three contract renewals and one special application are the current priorities. These include extending contracts for Simone Inzaghi, Nicolò Barella, and Lautaro Martínez, and assisting Denzel Dumfries in applying for an extension of his tax benefits. Italian media believe that if Dumfries can extend his tax benefits, the likelihood of his contract renewal increases. If the application is unsuccessful, the probability of the Dutch wingback being put on the transfer market rises.

Conditions for Inzaghi’s Contract Renewal

Inzaghi's contract renewal comes with conditions. One condition is the continuity of the current management team, including Steven Zhang, Beppe Marotta, Piero Ausilio, and Javier Zanetti, meaning no changes to the high-level structure. Another condition is related to player requirements. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inzaghi's player demands are primarily focused on the defense and forward positions. For defenders, he wants Inter to retain Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij, while bringing in a new central defender will depend on opportunities.

Inzaghi’s Forward Requirements

In the forward position, Inzaghi desires a player with "breakthrough ability" and "excellent technique," rather than a traditional "big forward." Industry experts generally believe that sources like Biasin and Di Marzio get their information from the transfer group, while La Gazzetta dello Sport’s reporters get theirs from the coaching staff, so their reports about Inzaghi's preferences have some reference value. Of course, those directly authorized by Steven Zhang, like Liu Teng, are considered the most authoritative.

Potential Forward Signings

While Inter is celebrating their championship, an important guest has arrived in Milan—Mehdi Taremi’s brother, who is laying the groundwork for the Porto forward’s potential move, such as looking for a house. Assuming Taremi joins, Inzaghi still wants another forward capable of being a key offensive player and a mobile attacker, rather than another "tall forward." This preference is based on enhancing the versatility of the squad. Currently, Icelandic forward Albert Guðmundsson ranks 9th in successful dribbles in Serie A, while the highest-ranked Inter player in this statistic is Marcus Thuram at 22nd, indicating a need to address this gap. Signing Guðmundsson would come at a significant cost, but Inter is determined to make an attempt.

Conclusion

In summary, the second star on Inter Milan’s jersey is expected to bring in substantial additional revenue, estimated at over 50 million euros. Meanwhile, the club is focused on securing key contract renewals and meeting Inzaghi’s player demands, particularly in strengthening the forward line with technically skilled, breakthrough-capable players. As Inter navigates these crucial decisions, their improved financial health offers a promising outlook for the future.