Inter must cost 20% less than they do currently if they are to remain financially stable, according to a report in the Italian media today.
La Repubblica’s print edition explained that Suning needed to reduce spending and lower the club’s wage bill ahead of next season, despite securing a €275 million financing deal from Oaktree Capital.
It is ‘unimaginable’ that Inter could repeat the spending they did in 2019, when Antonio Conte arrived as head coach, but Conte won’t agree to stay if the club threaten to dismantle his title-winning squad.
Conte wants reassurance that Inter will compensate for any sales with more signings, so as to remain competitive in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League.
Aleksandar Kolarov will leave when his contract expires next month and so will Ashley Young, while Arturo Vidal is unlikely to stay either.
Danilo D’Ambrosio and Andrea Ranocchia’s futures are also in doubt, and letting go of those five players probably still wouldn’t be enough to balance the books.
Inter’s task in the immediate term is to respect all their payment obligations before June 30, which include transfer installments and paying outstanding player salaries.
In terms of salaries, their players have so far not agreed to give up two months’ wages as requested by Steven Zhang earlier this month.
Inter will discuss this issue again after the European Championships, but for sure they won’t be making any signings before July.
Conte and Zhang will meet soon to discuss Suning’s plans for Inter, where Conte will seek reassurance about Inter staying at a high level.
