Steven Zhang and Suning believe that they’ll be able to refinance their debt and retain control of Inter Milan.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

As the calendar gets closer to 2024, the May 2024 deadline of the loan that Suning took on from Oaktree Capital also becomes more pressing.

The Nerazzurri owners secured the loan from the US-based fund in the spring of 2021.

Suning took on the loan in order to cover operating costs at Inter during a liquidity crisis in the wake of pandemic-related financial problems both for the club and for their parent company.

And Suning put Inter up as collateral for the loan. Therefore, if they are not able to pay it back including interest by the May 2024 deadline, control will theoretically pass into the hands of Oaktree.

However, Suning are still hoping to refinance. This would allow the Nerazzurri owners to remain at the helm.

Zhang & Suning Want To Refinance Oaktree Loan & Keep Control Of Inter

According to the Gazzetta, Inter President Zhang still considers finding a path to staying in control a priority.

The Nerazzurri President is currently in China. He is dealing with other matters regarding Suning.

But Zhang is also paying close attention to Inter, and in regular contact with the club’s directors and staff.

According to the Gazzetta, the Inter President considers sorting out the Oaktree situation an objective for the near future.

Zhang believes that particularly with the prospect of building a new stadium with significantly increased revenues, a future path is viable.

That would not, however, involve Suning paying off their debt to Oaktree right away.

Therefore, refinancing would be the most realistic option.

And according to the Gazzetta, Zhang and Suning are optimistic. They are in talks with possible funds regarding refinancing.

The main obstacle would be the high interest rate that the US-based funds that Suning have spoken to are proposing.

And another possibility would be for Suning to bring in investment from a minority partner.

But according to the Gazzetta, Zhang’s first choice would be refinancing.

And the Inter President believes that, despite the prospect of higher interest rate, doing so would be possible.

And Zhang and Suning will look to agree a refinancing deal as 2023 becomes the beginning of 2024.