After securing a €275 million loan from Oaktree Capital last week, Inter have seen a considerable financial weight lifted, according to Italian journalist Matteo Marani.
Writing in today’s newspaper edition of Tuttosport, Marani explained how the arrival of the Californian investment fund had secured the long-term future of Inter, after owners Suning had spent the majority of the year looking for fresh funds and investment.
“Oaktree have almost unlimited availability, based on the presence in numerous American pension funds, but for three days they have also pledged shares in Inter,” he stated.
Marani also suggested that Oaktree’s presence could be likened to that of fellow US investment fund Elliott Management at AC Milan, who stepped in after former owner Li Yonghong defaulted on repayments.
He also claimed that Inter would be able to hold on to key players as long as they were able to move on some of their underperforming high earners.
“Should they have problems in continuing the Zhang family, and we hope not for them, there would be a guarantor ready to join, exactly as it was for Milan with Elliott.
“Salary reductions will still be necessary, and not only for Inter. The transfer market itself will have to be closed, therefore without crazy expenses or busted investments. As we know, the current ownership has spent almost €800m in five years, just under what Massimo Moratti had to pay in his 20 years of presidency.
“Translated on the pitch, Inter will not necessarily have to sacrifice the best. If indispensable offers arrive, such as €70-80m for Lautaro Martinez, Inter will be required to sell. Otherwise, they will be able to safeguard their assets but must be good at selling high earning and underperforming players like Arturo Vidal.”
Despite the injection of funds from Oaktree Capital, speculation persists that coach Antonio Conte may depart Inter as Suning look to downsize, and he is set for a meeting with President Steven Zhang tomorrow.
Marani argued that Conte deserved to be at a team able to compete for titles after leading the Nerazzurri to the Scudetto this season, adding to his three consecutive triumphs at Juventus.
“After the first Scudetto with Juventus, he set up the next two, laying the foundations for a long period of domination carried out in an excellent way by Max Allegri.
“Conte will meet Steven Zhang this week and it will be the moment of truth. In messages to friends on WhatsApp, Antonio repeats the phrase: “I’m a top coach.” He is right, therefore he has the right to lead a top team.
“He will need a solution of balance, with targeted and acceptable sacrifices, to chase another league title and progression in the Champions League,” Marani concluded.
