In the last few hours, an official statement from Inter president Giuseppe Marotta has shaken the Nerazzurri environment and the entire world of European football. Although the team is preparing for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, Marotta has made an announcement that no one expected: four key players in the squad will leave the club in the next summer transfer window, regardless of the result of the final in Istanbul.
This news came as a bolt from the blue for fans and insiders. In an interview with an Italian television network, the manager explained that it is a thoughtful decision, dictated by economic, technical and strategic considerations for the future of Inter. “Even if we were to win the Champions League, the time has come to renew and make difficult choices. The cycle of some players is about to end,” Marotta stated with a firm tone.
The names of the players involved have not all been made official, but according to sources close to the club, among those leaving are key players who have contributed significantly to the successes of recent years. The first name that is circulating persistently is that of Denzel Dumfries. Despite the Dutch winger having one of his best seasons in a Nerazzurri shirt, Inter have apparently decided to cash in on his transfer, strong in the interest of several top clubs in the Premier League, including Manchester United and Chelsea. The player’s market value is around 40 million euros, a figure that would help finance the signing of new, younger talents.
The second name that is causing discussion is that of Nicolò Barella. Even though he is a true pillar of the Inter midfield and an idol of the fans, some offers from abroad, in particular from Liverpool and Bayern Munich, have pushed the management to consider a sensational sale. Barella is valued at over 70 million euros, and his departure could finance a major restyling of the midfield.
The third player destined to leave would be Stefan de Vrij. The Dutch defender, a pillar of the defense in recent years, has a contract expiring in 2026, but the club does not seem willing to extend the agreement further. The company would be ready to let him leave in exchange for a suitable offer, favoring the green line and focusing on younger and less expensive profiles in terms of salary.
The fourth name is the one that has made the fans jump the most: Lautaro Martínez. The Argentine striker, captain and symbol of Inter, has reportedly ended up in the sights of several European big clubs, including Real Madrid and Arsenal. Marotta made it clear that no one is unsellable, and that every decision will be made in the best interest of the club. “In modern football, even flags can change. Lautaro is a champion, but when faced with certain figures, you have to think,” he said.
The fans’ reaction was immediate. On social media, many expressed disappointment and concern about a possible demobilization of the team at the highest point in its recent history. However, others understood the management’s logic, aware that in a football increasingly conditioned by economic factors, even the most glorious clubs must be able to plan with foresight.
It should be noted that Inter’s financial situation, although improved compared to previous years, remains fragile. The club still needs to generate capital gains to comply with the Financial Fair Play parameters. Furthermore, the intention to renew the squad and lower the average age also involves painful, but necessary, choices.
Marotta concluded his interview with a message to the fans: “I understand the emotions, but I ask you to trust me. Everything we do is for the good of Inter. We want to build a team that can remain competitive in the years to come, both in Italy and in Europe”.
While waiting for the Champions League final, where Inter dreams of lifting the trophy again after the triumph of 2010, the shadow of the market already looms over the fate of many players. The Nerazzurri’s summer promises to be fiery, between dreams of glory and decisions that could radically change the face of the team.
Whether Marotta is right or not, only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the Inter of the future will be very different from the current one. And even in the event of a triumph in Istanbul, no one can sleep soundly.
