Samir Handanovic could re-up with Inter even though they will bring in André Onana. The goalkeeper hinted that he would continue to be part of the Nerazzurri squad in the presser ahead of the Supercoppa against Juventus. His current contract will expire in June, and the club will offer him a reduced salary, Tuttomercatoweb reports.
The 38-year-old currently makes €3.5M per year. The management will propose a pay cut down to €1.5M, which suggests a backup role. The veteran has not accepted yet, but he seems willing to do so and play his cards next season. The newcomer from Ajax might need time to adjust to his new surroundings. The front office fully expects him to take over, if not immediately at least down the line, considering they have agreed to give him a €3M salary.
Handanovic was asked about Onana yesterday: “I am not bothered by the chatter. The competition improves you, and it is always welcome. It is important to have self-confidence. I take it one day at a time, and I do not look too far ahead.”
The situation would reminisce what happened between Gianluigi Buffon and Wojciech Szczesny at Juventus a couple of years ago. Inter already had a similar changing of the guard in the past, when Julio Cesar replaced Francesco Toldo, but the latter stayed put. At this stage, it appears unlikely that Handanovic will receive an offer to be a starter elsewhere and, therefore, he will likely try to challenge Onana next season.