Italian journalist Fabio Caressa feels Inter Milan did well not to give into “extortion” from the entourage of Lazar Samardzic.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, via FCInter1908, the journalist also praised the Nerazzurri for the signing of Marcus Thuram.
The transfer saga between Inter and Samardzic was one of the soap operas of the summer in Serie A.
The 21-year-old had even gone as far as to undergo his medicals for the Nerazzurri. Everything looked like it was completed sealed on the transfer.
And yet, at the eleventh hour, new demands from the player’s representatives upended the transfer.
There is some dispute as to exactly what the circumstances were.
What is clear is that Inter had negotiated personal terms with Samardzic, and that these were via the mediation of prominent football agent Rafaela Pimenta.
Then, before Samardzic could put pen to paper on his contract, the player’s entourage asked for a meeting. Led by his father, the Serb’s representatives reportedly asked for new financial demands before he would sign.
Caressa Praises Inter Milan For Not Giving Into “Extortion” From Lazar Samardzic Entourage
There is a lot of murkiness surrounding the exact details of the situation.
But what is not in any dispute is that Samardzic’s entourage asked to renegotiate terms after the Serb had undergone his medicals, but before he could sign his contract.
Reports suggest that there were demands for more agent commissions.
Rumours of requests for higher wages or even a sell-on fee also emerged.
In any event, there is no doubt that Inter flatly refused to renegotiate at that stage. And from that point on, negotiations broke down completely.
It is possible that, had Inter been willing to renegotiate, then Samardzic’s transfer could have gone ahead.
Caressa said of Inter’s transfer window that “There was the about-face from Lukaku which was a blow. And then also the Samardzic situation.”
“But I give them a 7/10, because they didn’t give in to extortion,” he said of the transfer saga. “When the cards are on the table and you’ve already reached an agreement and shaken hands, you can’t renegotiate. I liked their attitude.”
“Theey also signed a great player in Frattesi, he completes their midfield.”
“And then there’s also Thuram, who can thrive in Serie A with his physicality. I think he’ll score more goals here than ever before in his career.”