Inter milan Embarks on Youth-Focused Rebuild Following Champions League Success
MILAN – Inter Milan is entering a new era under new ownership, pivoting to a transfer strategy centered on developing young talent following a period of remarkable success under Simone Inzaghi, which saw the club reach two champions League finals in three years. This shift comes as Inter enjoys record revenues and a first financial surplus in years, allowing for investment in players with long-term growth potential.
Inter’s transfer spending has remained relatively consistent over the past five seasons, never exceeding €100 million. While the club spent €89 million this summer – the highest under Inzaghi – the key change lies in who they are signing. All five of Inter’s permanent acquisitions were 23 years old or younger, with only Manuel Akanji arriving on loan from Manchester City as an experienced addition.
“With the arrival of the new owners, the priorities have changed. They now want to return to invest in players whose market value can grow over time,” explains Dietl. “And the successes of recent seasons have laid the groundwork for this shift.Only thanks to a solid squad base and significant increases in revenues – from prize money and sponsorships – is this kind of investment strategy even possible. It’s no coincidence that in recent years Inter have spent very little on transfers and had to allocate most of the budget to contract renewals. However, this year’s record-breaking revenue and the first financial surplus in a long time now make this transition possible – without sacrificing too much in terms of competitiveness.”
The move to prioritize youth is a departure from Inter’s recent reliance on experienced players, a strategy that delivered significant results despite competing with clubs boasting larger budgets and wage bills.The challenge now falls to new manager, as they attempt to integrate the new signings. Petar Sučić was the only new acquisition to start in Inter’s recent 2-1 home defeat to Udinese, with the starting eleven averaging 29.2 years old – a figure largely unchanged from the Champions League final. However, several youngsters are anticipated to become regular starters as they acclimate to the team.
Inter’s success under Inzaghi was notable considering their financial constraints, but the club’s future hinges on whether this new, youth-focused approach will yield continued success in the increasingly competitive Serie A.
