Inter Milan is at a crucial financial juncture, with recent reports indicating that the club might consider offloading several prominent players, including Marcus Thuram, Denzel Dumfries, and Nicolò Barella. This strategic shift comes in the wake of their unexpected early departure from the Champions League, an event that has significantly impacted their projected revenues for the upcoming season. The club's leadership is now tasked with making difficult decisions to maintain financial stability and replicate past successes.
The early Champions League knockout has thrown a wrench into Inter Milan's financial planning. The club had initially budgeted to at least reach the Round of 16 in the prestigious European competition, a benchmark that would have secured a substantial amount of revenue. Their failure to advance beyond the play-offs means a considerable shortfall in expected earnings. To mitigate this impact and to sustain their financial health, the Italian giants are exploring various options, with player sales emerging as a strong possibility.
According to financial analysts, Inter Milan concluded the 2024-25 financial year with a commendable profit of €35 million. To achieve similar results in the current fiscal period, especially with the reduced Champions League income, the sale of one or more high-value players appears almost inevitable. The club earned a staggering €137 million from the Champions League last season, a figure that dwarfs the €66 million they secured this time around. Furthermore, the absence of participation in the Club World Cup denies them another potential €30 million in revenue, further exacerbating the financial pressure.
The Nerazzurri previously recorded a record-breaking revenue of €567 million last season, an unprecedented achievement in Italian football. To maintain such a high financial standard without the anticipated European prize money, strategic divestment of assets, particularly star players, becomes a critical consideration. This move, while potentially unpopular with fans, is seen as a necessary measure to ensure the club's long-term economic viability.
Beyond high-profile sales, Inter Milan is also looking to reduce its wage bill. Several players, including Francesco Acerbi, Stefan De Vrij, Matteo Darmian, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, are expected to depart at the end of their contracts in June. However, these departures alone may not be sufficient to bridge the financial gap. Reports suggest that Inter is willing to entertain offers for Thuram, who has an €80 million release clause, and Dumfries, whose change of agent hints at a potential transfer. Even Nicolò Barella's future is reportedly under review following a less-than-stellar season, adding another layer of uncertainty to the club's squad composition.
Inter Milan's early exit from the Champions League has triggered a comprehensive financial reassessment, leading to the potential sale of key players. This strategic maneuver aims to offset significant revenue losses and maintain the club's financial health, ensuring its competitiveness in the future.