Inter Milan eye defensive rejuvenation: possible January move

The Nerazzurri aim to strengthen and rejuvenate their backline, and could even act in the winter transfer window thanks to a positive balance sheet

Inter Milan’s goal for next season is to strengthen and rejuvenate a defense that has begun to show small signs of wear. 

However, the Nerazzurri management could decide to bring this plan forward to January, supported by a financial statement that’s finally in the black.

According to Il Giorno via Fcinter1908, “Raising the wall again, and necessarily lowering the average age — ideas that have been circulating for some time between Viale della Liberazione and Appiano Gentile. 

The goal conceded against Kairat — though the first in four Champions League matches — was the latest warning sign. Under scrutiny: the defense.

To be clear, in Serie A so far, Cristian Chivu’s backline has conceded 12 goals — one less than Simone Inzaghi’s at the same point last year. 

However, in the season of the second star, that number stood at just five. In terms of age: Francesco Acerbi is 37 (and out of contract soon), Matteo Darmian turns 36 in December (also expiring), while Stefan De Vrij is 33 (contracted until June 2026).”

Two names from the Premier League stand out in Inter Milan’s shortlist

“Inter Milan now record a net positive of €35 million (£29.75m) — after a loss of €36 million (£30.6m) last year — and a turnover of €546 million (£464.1m), up 37%. So, a defensive investment in January is well within reach.

Several profiles are being followed, with different traits and competition — for example, Nathan Aké. 

The versatile 30-year-old defender has made six appearances across Premier League and Champions League this season and could leave Manchester City in two months. His contract runs until June 2027, but limited playing time under Guardiola could jeopardize his chances of joining the Netherlands squad for the next World Cup. 

Inter Milan are monitoring him, as are Juventus and Crystal Palace — where another potential target plays: Marc Guehi, preferred for his age (25).

Among players under 30, there’s also Dayot Upamecano (born 1998), who has so far declined Bayern Munich’s renewal offer. Familiar faces include Mario Gila (25, Lazio) and Oumar Solet (also 25, Udinese). 

Recently, 20-year-old Tiago Gabriel from Lecce has been drawing attention — a profile that fits the Oaktree model perfectly.

All this, assuming the certain redemption of Manuel Akanji in June (loan fee €1 million [£850.000], permanent deal for €15 million [£12.75m] at the end of the season, mandatory in case of Scudetto).”