According to well placed Sky Sports sources, the deal agreed between Inter and Barcelona for Brazilian midfielder Rafinha, does not include any binding clauses that obligate Inter to purchase the player outright. The deal is believed to be a simple loan with an option to buy at the end of the season. Earlier reports from Spain indicated that Inter had to purchase Rafinha in the event of the Nerazzurri making it into the Champions League. These rumors however have now been proven false as the redemption of the player is completely up to Inter, and is not tied to any placement or performance by Inter.

However, Premium Sport in Italy also report that there is a possible gentleman agreement between the Nerazzurri and Barcelona: if the Brazilian player will help Inter to reach a top 4 placing by providing an important contribution (therefore playing regularly and well), it is not to be excluded that Inter will exercise the option to buy him outright for 35 million plus bonuses, but this is only a verbal agreement which does not tie Inter to any decision. If Rafinha is eventually signed permanently, he will sign a 3 and a half year contract.