With less than a week to go until Inter meet Juventus it’s very difficult to think about anything else but the Derby d’Italia, however for at least this column I’ll try.
Earlier this week the Corriere dello Sport produced an interesting graphic listing the salaries for Inter’s first team squad. With the impending investment from Erik Thohir allegedly bringing the Nerazzurri finances back into the black, a discussion can now take place as to the options that may lay ahead for Inter’s decision makers next summer.
The total costs for the upcoming season as shown above comes out at €42.55 million for the current 28 members of Walter Mazzarri’s squad. This is a substantial decrease from years past even when taking into account the taxes that need to be paid on top of those earnings listed. The biggest criticism the club has received since winning the historic triplete in 2010 is that they have compromised on the quality of the playing staff in order to balance the books. Another gripe. from fans and the media alike is that Inter do not get value for money. Overpaying for the likes of Alvaro Pereira & Matais Silvestre. Whilst this is partly true, one of the main issues Inter face is a lack of liquid cash.
Massimo Moratti has talked on several occasions regarding the financial hole the club currently finds itself in. As the President has repeatedly stated it’s not the debt that holds Inter back in the mercato. In fact it is the revenue streams the club generates that are the problem, they are unable to sustain salaries and transfers at previous high levels due to the impending regulations regarding Financial Fair Play. So financially the Thohir deal could work out well for Inter, it would give them a starting point to move forward and a new business model which is more cost effective. As I’m about to show one that shouldn’t lower the quality of the team.
Next summer Inter could say goodbye to all of the following:
Luca Castellazzi, Javier Zanetti, Wallace, Walter Samuel, Cristian Chivu, Esteban Cambiasso and Diego Milito. Those salaries alone would amount to €15.6 million. As well as these expected departures there is also the possibility that players such as Rolando, Alvaro Pereira and Zdravko Kuzmanovic could leave the club. Inter will need to look at the contracts of players like Samir Handanovic, Juan Jesus, Fredy Guarin and Mateo Kovacic. Money from those that have left will be used to give possible raises to the previously mentioned players and also settling co-ownership issues on Saphir Taider, Ishak Belfodil and the €6-7 million owed for Mauro Icardi. With transfer fees recieved alongside the €20-25 million that Inter had available this summer there would seem to be enough to become creative in the summer of 2014.
If Walter Mazzarri is able to perform miracles and guide Inter to a top 3 finish the extra €30 million which can be gained from Champions League qualification would further strengthen the clubs financial footing. Inter would no longer be forced to sell their rising stars or contemplate selling an important first team player to balance the books. Although the ‘top player’ myth would no doubt re surface in the papers, the management would hopefully take a far more pragmatic approach. In a summer where Inter could have anything between €35-€60 million available to replenish the squad, high salaries must not be the focus. Instead they can follow the path which began with Mateo Kovacic and has continued with Belfodil, Icardi and most recently Taider. Promising young players who may command a hefty fee but will not raise the wage bill to unmanageable levels.
After the nightmare of a 9th place finish and an economic situation which at one point seemed out of control, the summer of 2014 may see some light at the end of the tunnel for all who follow the Nerazzurri.
I’ll speak to you all after returning from Milano next weekend, Forza Inter per Sempre!
