Inter Milan captain Samir Handanovic could remain a Nerazzurri player for another season despite his expiring contract.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who report that the 38-year-old could stay an help a new goalkeeping signing settle in should the Nerazzurri decide to sell Andre Onana and move for a replacement.
As of today, Handanovic is no longer under contract with Inter. The Slovenian’s deal with the Nerzzurri has expired.
Should the Slovenian not agree a new deal with the club, he will depart after eleven years of service.
Handanovic joined Inter from Udinese during the summer of 2012. For the majority of that time, he has been the unquestioned first-choice option in goal.
Moreover, over the past few seasons the Slovenian has worn the captain’s armband for the Nerazzurri. He inherited the armband from Mauro Icardi.
Handanovic Could Stay At Inter Milan To Usher In Post-Onana Era
Last season, Handanovic had remained at Inter to help ease the transition to his seeming successor Andre Onana.
The Slovenian was first-choice in goal for a couple months whilst the Cameroonian settled in. Then, in the fall Onana really made the starting role his own.
This seemed to signal the end of Handanovic’s time at Inter. The 38-year-old is no longer first choice and had completed the final part of his Nerazzurri mission by helping Onana find his feet.
However, with Manchester United pushing to sign Onana, the Cameroonian’s time at Inter may unexpectedly last only one season.
Of Onana does leave, Inter will certainly have to sign a replacement.
22-year-old Valencia keeper Giorgio Mamardashvili and 21-year-old Shakhtar Donestk man Anatoliy Trubin are both on their list.
If either of the pair do arrive, Handanovic could then extend his contract and stay another season. His role would be similar to last season with Onana – the captain would help the younger keeper settle in.
On the other hand, Inter could also sign a more experienced keeper. Nottingham Forest and former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain star Keylor Navas is reportedly on their radar.
