Despite reaching the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in over a decade, nine defeats in 27 Serie A games, suggests that Inter coach Simone Inzaghi will be under pressure whatever the outcome of the 2022/23 campaign, but with several players set to depart in the summer, revolution is coming to the Nerazzurri.
Having chased Stadio Giuseppe Meazza housemates and champions AC Milan until the final game last season, many expected Inter to go close to wrestling the Scudetto back from the Rossoneri.
However, their continued decline suggests that a refresh of an ageing playing squad is required, even if it has to be undertaken on a stricter budget than when they won the title in 2021.
Can Inter raise the funds to rebuild?
With an overhaul of most of the Inter starting XI expected, the Milanese giants must raise capital to finance new arrivals, but are lacking players that would previously entice Europe’s big spenders to their door, as was the case when Chelsea paid €115m for Romelu Lukaku. This summer they will look at three players to generate a similar overall windfall – Marcelo Brozovic, Denzel Dumfries and Joaquin Correa.
However, the Argentine attacker has failed to shine in a Nerazzurri shirt, with just three goals in 18 appearances. Recouping anywhere near the €31m paid to Lazio seems incredibly unlikely and, at 28 years old, sending Correa on loan could further reduce their chances. Brozovic, despite the stellar service given to Inter, is one of their highest earners which will make it difficult to find a buyer.
Therefore, a lot rests on the shoulders of the Netherlands international, Dumfries, whose World Cup performances had raised hopes that the Nerazzurri could receive offers around €40-60m for the wing-back, but with recent performances mirroring the team, any bids will be significantly lower. Inter fans will fear that this opens the door for the exit of one of their more prominent players, like Lautaro Martinez or Nicolo Barella.
Multiple out-of-contract exits expected
As well as looking to offload players for transfer funds, Inter will reduce their wage bill with six regulars out of contract at the end of the campaign – Samir Handanovic, Milan Skriniar, Roberto Gagliardini, Danilo D’Ambrosio, Edin Dzeko and Stefan De Vrij could all be on the way.
The Nerazzurri are resigned to losing Skriniar this summer, but retain hopes of convincing fellow centre-back De Vrij to remain in Milan. The 31-year-old has lost his starting spot in recent weeks, but is still a useful squad option for Inzaghi, but with the contract extension on offer at significantly reduced wages, the defender is also considering his options.
That is also the case with striker Dzeko, who became the club’s oldest-ever Serie A goalscorer earlier in the campaign. He is looking for the club to add 12 months to the one-year contract that was tabled. However, with the Bosnian turning 38 next turn season, it is unlikely that the club will improve their offer and the ex-Manchester City man will depart.
