Inter Milan, a summer of decisions ahead: contracts, exits and uncertain futures

No January signings, but major changes loom as several key players near the end of their deals with Inter Milan

Inter Milan closed the January transfer window without any incoming signings. The club failed to find the right opportunity to strengthen Cristian Chivu’s squad mid-season, but there is full awareness internally that the real work will begin in the summer.

Five players are currently set to see their contracts expire, while two more, despite longer deals, are widely expected to leave Milan. Here is a case-by-case breakdown, according to reports from Calciomercato.com via Fcinter1908.

Expiring contracts: from certainties to open questions

Yann Sommer

The first and most straightforward case is that of Yann Sommer. His departure at the end of the season is considered almost inevitable.

Inter Milan have long been searching for a new goalkeeper, hoping until recently to continue relying on Sommer’s high level of reliability. 

On the other side, however, are the personal and professional reasons of the player himself.

Sommer remains a consummate professional, but also a person dealing with physical fragilities in an environment that no longer seems to fully trust him. 

At Appiano Gentile, confidence in Martinez is even lower, but that represents a separate issue altogether.

Acerbi and Darmian

Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Darmian can be grouped together, despite their very different careers.

Their common thread lies in the fact that their renewals, despite their age, were strongly backed by Simone Inzaghi. 

At the time, the club was still under Zhang’s ownership, Inter Milan had just secured the Second Star, and there was a desire to reward loyalty and past contributions.

That approach is now changing. Oaktree’s ownership is seen as more pragmatic and less sentimental, and even the current coach appears focused on a new cycle. 

Acerbi has slipped down the pecking order, while Darmian’s situation has been clarified by Inter Milan’s persistent search for a right-sided reinforcement, despite knowing the Italian was close to returning from his October injury.

For both, the expectation is a farewell in June.

Stefan de Vrij

Stefan de Vrij is also among the players nearing the end of his contract. The Dutch defender would have gladly left already in January, hoping to revive his chances of a World Cup call-up.

The right opportunity never materialized, but Chivu’s choices on the pitch have spoken clearly. 

Ahead of de Vrij in the central defensive hierarchy are Akanji, Bisseck and Acerbi. Aware that his best option lies elsewhere, where he can play regularly, de Vrij is expected to pursue a move in the summer, facilitated by his expiring deal.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Henrikh Mkhitaryan deserves a separate mention. Unlike the others, the Armenian midfielder remains an important figure for Chivu, just as he was under Inzaghi.

Calhanoglu’s injury and Zielinski’s repositioning have played a role, but Mkhitaryan continues to be a key rotation player. 

Until a few months ago, Inter Milan appeared inclined to offer him a one-year extension. That idea, however, has gradually lost momentum, week after week.

Other Likely Departures

Beyond expiring contracts, two players with longer deals are also widely expected to leave: Davide Frattesi and Denzel Dumfries.

Frattesi’s market value is declining, as shown by the lack of concrete offers. Chivu has referenced physical issues limiting his performances, prompting caution among potential buyers. 

Nottingham Forest recently made a proposal involving a loan with an option to buy, but it was deemed insufficient by Inter Milan. The situation is becoming increasingly problematic.

As for Dumfries, his case has already been widely discussed. A new agent, a clear ambition to play Champions League football, and tactical doubts all point toward a separation. 

Inter Milan’s evolving style, with a higher defensive line and different demands on wing-backs, has reduced the space Dumfries thrives on. This has already been evident when he has been available.

These reflections explain why Inter Milan would have been willing to sell him in January, even agreeing terms with Liverpool. 

However, Reds coach Arne Slot stepped back after learning the Dutchman would not be match-fit for another month, while he needed immediate reinforcements.