While the summer transfer market is yet to open its doors, Inter fans can be forgiven for sensing danger with reports suggesting a déjà vu scenario. We all remember what happened last year. The Nerazzurri’s Scudetto celebrations were cut short as the management decided to sell Achraf Hakimi and Romelu Lukaku to balance the books, while Antonio Conte had already preferred to depart rather than standing witness to the depletion of his title-winning squad.
Of course Giuseppe Marotta would then use his magical stick to tend the wounds, but the Beneamata’s dethrone tells the story of a team that was weakened by the significant departures.
In a recent piece, we suggested the names of four Inter players who need to leave the club this summer. However, these sacrifices might not be enough to please the auditors, as a major offering might be required in order to fund the club’s upcoming transfer session.
So if Marotta and company absolutely need to sell a major star, then who should it be?
Let’s begin by running the candidates before reaching a conclusion one way or the other.
Alessandro Bastoni (Center-Back)
Although he was born and bred as a footballer at Atalanta, Alessandro Bastoni first signed for Inter at the age of 18, making him one of the supporters’ protegees.
Therefore, the young defender’s potential departure would struck hard for the Nerazzurri fans, but Conte and Fabio Paratici would care little about it as they reportedly try to lure the 23-year-old towards Tottenham.
Milan Skriniar (Center-Back)
Another defender who is garnering great attention at the moment. The 27-year-old has established himself as one of the best defenders in Italy, and is now set to enter the peak years of his playing career.
The Slovakian has a long list of rumored suitors. It starts with Paris Saint Germain and doesn’t end with Chelsea.
Denzel Dumfries (Wingback)
Following an underwhelming start of the season, Denzel Dumfries eventually settled at Inter, becoming a regular member of Inzaghi’s starting formation and consistently contributing in goals.
Perhaps he hasn’t truly reached the levels of Hakimi yet, but he still has room for improvement.
Nicolò Barella (Central Midfielder)
The Italian only joined Inter in 2019, yet, he has already established himself as the heart and soul of the team.
Despite looking exhausted at times due to the grueling schedule, the former Cagliari man was never away from the starting formation, as the team is simply unimaginable without his precious presence.
Lautaro Martinez (Striker)
At least in our book, Lautaro Martinez is the most complete forward in Serie A. So could he follow Lukaku’s footsteps and leave on the back of a stellar campaign?
Of course this scenario would be brutal for the club’s supporters who are currently dreaming of a reunion between the two stars at Appiano Gentile.
Conclusion
As the title suggests, this is a case of “pick your poison”, as the potential departure of each player mentioned below would leave a large gap within the squad, one that the transfer market might not be able properly fill (see Lukaku…).
Perhaps the most dispensable star on the list would be Dumfries. However, his sale might not be enough on it’s own to cover the club’s expenses.
Even though Paulo Dybala might be on his way to Inter, and perhaps Lukaku would return as well, Lautaro remains an irreplaceable player for the Nerazzurri, and one that the club shouldn’t sell, except maybe for an astronomical fee.
As for Barella and Bastoni, we are talking about two local players who could go on to become club symbols. Offloading one of them could have large consequences on the team.
This leaves us with Skriniar. Yes, his departure would be a major blow for the backline, but at the age of 27 and with an expiring contract, it could be the ideal time to make some profit from the Slovakian, especially in the presence of vastly rich suitors.
Of course that’s no an ideal solution, but that’s hardly the case in the transfer market world.