Tomas Palacios set to leave Inter Milan for Santos

The Argentine defender is close to joining Santos on loan with option to buy, freeing a spot in Inter Milan’s squad list

Inter Milan’s directors have practically closed a deal for a player’s exit — but now eyes turn to a possible signing. 

Tomas Palacios is ready to say goodbye to Inter Milan, with a new adventure at Santos awaiting him. Does this change anything for the Nerazzurri’s transfer market? La Gazzetta dello Sport via Fcinter1908 provided an update on the situation.

“Tomas Palacios is on the verge of joining Santos. The Argentine centre-back, signed last summer for €6.5 million (£5.5m), is about to leave the Nerazzurri and head to Brazil. 

He was on the bench during the 5-0 win over Torino, and in the next 48 hours he should board a flight and say farewell to Italy. 

The deal will be defined as a loan with an option to buy. Only the final details remain. His agent is in Milan to finalize everything. Palacios had been courted by several European clubs — notably Basel, Rayo and Eintracht — but ultimately chose Brazil. 

Inter Milan may now consider a defensive signing after Palacios exit

Inter Milan thus free up a squad spot. Now it remains to be seen whether the management will push for a new defender. 

Bastoni’s backup is Carlos Augusto, capable of playing both as wing-back and left centre-back. Then there are Bisseck, Pavard, Acerbi and De Vrij, plus the versatile Darmian. 

Palacios was always expected to leave. Last season he played two games for Inter Milan and eight for Monza, where he went on loan in January,” the report read.