Key facts
- Inter Milan will not renew the contracts of goalkeeper Yann Sommer and defenders Stefan de Vrij, Francesco Acerbi, and Matteo Darmian.
- The club is implementing a squad overhaul strategy driven by Oaktree Capital Management's financial directives.
- Age and salary considerations are key factors in the decision to part ways with veteran players.
- Stefan de Vrij's contract renewal is being considered due to his recent performances.
- Davide Frattesi's future at the club is uncertain, with a potential sale being discussed.
- Denzel Dumfries is also expected to leave, with Marco Palestra eyed as a replacement.
Inter Milan is preparing for a significant squad overhaul at the end of the season, with four veteran players — goalkeeper Yann Sommer and defenders Stefan de Vrij, Francesco Acerbi, and Matteo Darmian — set to depart as their contracts expire.
The Serie A champion has issued statements and highlight videos for each player, marking the end of their tenures. De Vrij, who spent eight seasons at the club, has won nine trophies, including three Serie A titles. Darmian, after six years, also boasts a similar haul. Acerbi, with four years at Inter, has won two league titles and two domestic cups, while Sommer, in one year, secured two Serie A titles and one Italian Cup. De Vrij, Darmian, and Acerbi also have two Champions League runner-up medals, and Sommer has one.
This strategic shift aligns with Oaktree Capital Management's financial directives, which aim to reduce the overall wage bill and rejuvenate the squad by prioritizing sustainability and long-term planning over short-term continuity. Age and salary considerations are central to these decisions.
However, Stefan de Vrij might be an exception, with his recent performances prompting Inter to reconsider a short-term renewal. Meanwhile, Henrikh Mkhitaryan could still be offered a short-term extension. The future of midfielder Davide Frattesi is also uncertain, with a potential sale being considered if his role and playing time remain unclear, especially as coach Cristian Chivu reportedly reconsiders his tactical setup.
Additionally, Denzel Dumfries is reportedly expected to leave the club, with Marco Palestra identified as a potential long-term replacement. The upcoming transfer window is anticipated to mark the beginning of a new cycle for Inter Milan, balancing ambition with financial discipline.