Why Inter Milan Struggles to Sign Mourinho’s “New Achraf”: Is the Free Transfer of Hermoso a Blessing or a Curse?

In recent days, reporters following Inter Milan closely, such as Biasin and Stopini, have pointed out that the club's top priority in the summer transfer window—or more accurately, Simone Inzaghi's biggest demand—is to bring in a new central defender. This move aims to address the potential crisis posed by the aging trio of Acerbi, Darmian, and de Vrij. For several days, La Gazzetta dello Sport has been covering Inter's free transfer pursuit of Mario Hermoso. A recent, extensive article delved into the historical connections between the Atlético Madrid defender and Inter.

Born in Madrid, Hermoso joined Real Madrid's youth academy at the age of 10. In 2012, at just 17, he made a rare first-team appearance for Real Madrid, featuring briefly in the Santiago Bernabéu Trophy under then-manager José Mourinho. This brief stint earned him the tag of a “Mourinho-favored player.” By 2015, Hermoso became a regular for Real Madrid B and gained attention during a loan spell at Valladolid, as well as with Spain's U19 team, steadily increasing his market value. However, in 2017, then-Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane did not see Hermoso fitting even as a backup, leading to his sale to Espanyol.

Hermoso later transferred to Atlético Madrid and nearly joined Barcelona at one point, turning into a potential rival of his former club, Real Madrid. Some likened Hermoso to Achraf Hakimi, another player who excelled on loan but failed to impress Zidane. With Hermoso’s contract at Atlético Madrid expiring this summer, he is unlikely to renew and thus enters the transfer market. Several Saudi Arabian clubs have expressed interest, and negotiations are reportedly underway.

La Gazzetta dello Sport has been stirring up the narrative that Inter hopes to secure Hermoso on a free transfer with a five-year contract (4+1) worth 5 million euros net per year, plus significant performance bonuses. As the media puts it, "Hermoso" means "beautiful" in Spanish, and Inter, boasting one of the best defenses in Serie A and Europe, hopes to keep their backline "beautiful" for the coming seasons by accelerating negotiations to sign Hermoso ahead of numerous competitors.

However, the question of whether to sign this “beautiful” player has sparked heated debate among Inter supporters and pundits. Despite the speculation, both Spanish media familiar with Hermoso’s agent, Espizua, and Italian transfer market experts like Moretto, along with Inter’s beat reporters Biasin and Guaro, indicate that no serious, formal negotiations have occurred between Inter (or any other Serie A clubs like AC Milan and Juventus) and Hermoso. This hesitation is due to the financial implications highlighted by the new tax law changes.

Completing Hermoso's free transfer requires paying a substantial commission. Spanish reports suggest that Saudi clubs are offering eight-figure sums in euros as commissions. Although European clubs might offer less, a significant fee would still be necessary. Experts have calculated that signing Hermoso would involve not only the commission but also a hefty contract worth 5 million euros net annually (nearly 10 million euros gross), along with bonus clauses. Over five years, the total could reach around 60 million euros.

Conversely, Inter could opt for a different approach: acquiring a younger center-back with a 30 million euro price tag payable in installments, an annual salary of 2-3 million euros, and a more manageable financial burden over five years. This alternative would likely result in lower total costs and avoid disrupting the wage structure.

Additionally, there's no guarantee that Hermoso would secure a starting position over players like Pavard, Bastoni, and Acerbi. If Hermoso ends up as a rotational player despite the significant investment, it could prove detrimental. A net salary of 5 million euros plus bonuses would surpass that of many key players and core members of Inter’s squad. While such wages might have been feasible with previous tax benefits, the current situation makes it more complex.

This situation differs from that of Lautaro Martinez, for example. In modern football, strikers often earn more than players in other positions. Breaking the wage structure for a top scorer, a title winner, and a team captain is not uncommon and rarely causes locker room unrest. However, doing so for a defender—especially an outsider with no contributions yet to the team’s success—could create significant discord. The current squad members, who have fought hard and achieved great things, might feel disrespected and underappreciated, which is only natural.

Thus, the cost-effectiveness of the Hermoso deal requires careful consideration from Inter Milan. Despite La Gazzetta dello Sport suggesting that Inter might present Inzaghi with three championship celebration gifts—contract renewals, Hermoso, and Gudmundsson—the issues surrounding Hermoso's role, cost, and value mean that Inter should cautiously evaluate whether to genuinely pursue his free transfer.

The possibility of signing Hermoso raises critical strategic questions for Inter Milan. While the allure of securing a player Mourinho once favored and potentially addressing the defense’s aging issue is tempting, the financial and tactical implications are profound. Inter’s management must weigh the benefits of adding Hermoso against the potential disruption to the team’s wage structure and harmony.

Moreover, Hermoso’s mixed history and fluctuating career trajectory add layers of complexity to the decision. Though his past affiliations with Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid and his early promise under Mourinho create a compelling narrative, his journey has been marked by inconsistencies and shifting club allegiances. This background suggests a need for cautious optimism rather than an unquestioned pursuit.

Inzaghi’s desire for a robust defensive addition to counter the potential decline of Acerbi, Darmian, and de Vrij is understandable. However, the club must balance this need with financial prudence and squad cohesion. Opting for a younger, more cost-effective center-back might offer a more sustainable solution, providing both immediate reinforcement and long-term stability.

Inter Milan stands at a crossroads, needing to make strategic decisions that will shape the team's future. The pursuit of Mario Hermoso encapsulates the broader challenges faced by top football clubs: balancing ambition with fiscal responsibility, managing squad dynamics, and making calculated investments to sustain competitive success. As the summer transfer window approaches, Inter’s choices will be scrutinized, with Hermoso’s potential acquisition serving as a litmus test for the club’s strategic vision and operational acumen.