Italian journalist Marco Bellinazzo has today clarified things as far as potential investment from a Qatari fund in Inter is concerned.
The past week or so has been full of speculation regarding Suning’s ownership of Inter, with multiple reports speculating that they are seeking fresh investment into the Nerazzurri.
Some reports have stated they are looking for a minority partner and others have stated that some parties could even try and obtain a majority stake.
One report also linked an unnamed Qatari fund with investing in Inter and also claimed that there were failed negotiations between said fund and Suning.
In a long exclusive interview with Italian news outlet FCInter1908.it, part one and part two of which can be read here and here, he started by discussing the speculation regarding the Qatari fund.
“Right now, the name of BC Partners is the only one for which there is a certain substance,” he began.
“I’m not ruling out that someone asked for information, especially from Saudi Arabia, where they are interested in entering football, more so than from Qatar.
“But to relate this interest with Inter at the moment is not something I can confirm.”
Next Bellinazzo was asked how much Inter could be worth if sold.
“When Suning took charge of Inter, the value of the club was just under €500 million.
“Considering the value of Inter and the debt, we are talking about a value of around €800-900 million, not more than a billion.”
Bellinazzo proceeded to discuss the agreement between Suning and Alibaba which provides a pledge of Suning’s shares in Inter and whether it is a simple financial operation or if there could be something more to it.
“It is difficult to say, since it is something that has to do with the social intertwining of the two galaxies.
“Suning has historically worked with Jack Ma, with various moments of strong mutual equity participation.
“It’s a thing that does not surprise me: if that same stake had gone to another party, it would have been objectively more worrying.
“All this seems to be part of an agreement that involves the need to pledge something to a partner who lends money.
“This is an assessment that cannot be made unless you have access to the documents that can clarify the situation better.”
In conclusion he was asked if he could offer Inter fans any reassurance over the stability of the club’s future.
“Absolutely yes. There is an important force behind Inter, Suning have shown it with their investments.
“Even if the club were to be sold, precisely because we are talking about a strong reality, it would be sold in good hands but at the moment there is nothing that can suggest this happening.”