Inter’s Joao Mario Likely To Join Sporting CP On Permanent Deal, Italian Media Claim

Joao Mario appears likely to join Sporting CP on a permanent basis this summer from Inter, according to an Italian media report today.

The Portuguese midfielder is currently out on loan at the Liga NOS side and FCInterNews.it have claimed that the idea of a permanent return to his first club has come to life.

Thanks to Sporting CP’s all-but certain qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League, they would be able to afford a deal for Joao Mario, for whom Inter want €6-7 million.

Inter may even grant a slight discount on this figure, seeing as the 28-year-old will hold a value of just €4 million against the club’s books in the summer (meaning Inter would only need €4 million to avoid making a loss).

Sporting CP are ready to hand Joao Mario a four-year deal, with his current annual salary of €3 million to be spread out across the duration of the contract.

Valencia have shown an interest lately but a permanent switch to Sporting CP appears to be the ideal solution for the former West Ham United loanee, who never lived up to expectations in an Inter shirt following his big money move in 2016.