Inter could be forced to continue with Samir Handanovic in goal for another season, according to a report in the Italian media today.
Handanovic’s future is back under scrutiny after three mistakes in consecutive matches last week, leading to speculation that Inter could sign a replacement in the summer.
Il Giorno’s print edition said Inter’s plans for replacing Handanovic would depend on the transfer budget they had available, which will become clearer once Steven Zhang meets the club’s directors after returning to Milan.
Given the lack of high-profile alternatives on the market, it is not impossible that Inter will continue with the Slovenian as their first-choice goalkeeper for the 2021-22 season at least.
Inter do not have the likes of Jan Oblak or Thibaut Courtois available so they would have to ‘gamble’ on the next generation of up-and-coming goalkeepers, such as Udinese’s Juan Musso or Cagliari’s Alessio Cragno.
They could alternatively pursue a more experienced goalkeeper who has yet to get a chance at a top club, such as Hellas Verona’s Marco Silvestri.
Inter have three promising young goalkeepers already on their books in Filip Stankovic, Michele Di Gregorio (who is on loan at Monza in Serie B) and Gabriel Brazao (on loan in Spain’s second division with Real Oviedo).
None are thought to be ready to play for Antonio Conte’s side though, and nor is Andrei Radu who has yet to make a single appearance for the Nerazzurri since returning from Genoa.
Inter have also been linked with Trabzonspor goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, whose president today confirmed the 25-year-old could join ‘a top club’ in the summer.
