Inter Milan are ramping up their pursuit of Club Brugge winger Tajon Buchanan for the January transfer window, whilst Tiago Djalo is the alternative.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
The January transfer window is now just on the horizon.
In less than two weeks, Inter will have the chance to intervene in the transfer market to strengthen their squad for the run-in of the season.
And there would appear to be one area of the team where the need for a new signing is greatest.
The right flank has looked to be something of a problem position for Inter this season.
There are three players capable of playing at right-wingback – Denzel Dumfries, Juan Cuadrado, and Matteo Darmian.
But Dumfries has been out for a couple weeks with an injury. In truth, the Dutchman has been dealing with some fitness issues all season.
But Dumfries’s issues are trivial compared to those of Juan Cuadrado.
The former Juventus wingback has been dealing with tendon problems virtually since he joined Inter. And Cuadrado will now have to undergo surgery – that means he’ll miss a few months of action.
Darmian, on the other hand, has proven more physically robust than Dumfries or Cuadrado.
But the 34-year-old former Manchester United and Torino veteran is also an important player in defense, where he can play on the right of the back three – Darmian can hardly be in two places at once.
Inter Ramp Up Pursuit Of Tajon Buchanan – Tiago Djalo The Alternative
24-year-old Canadian international Buchanan is Inter’s top target on the right flank.
The Club Brugge winger has shown his versatility for club and country, and the Nerazzurri have identified him as having the ideal profile for the right side of Simone Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 system for over a year.
Buchanan’s contract with Brugge expires at the end of June 2025. He has made clear that he has no intention of signing an extension.
Therefore, Inter feel that the opportunity is there to sign the Canadian for a reasonable fee.
Brugge will be open to negotiating considering they won’t want to lose Buchanan for free when his deal runs out.
Inter have been thinking about signing Buchanan next summer.
But they could push their pursuit forward in light of Cuadrado’s struggles. The Gazzetta confirm that Inter are very much laying the groundwork.
The alternative would be to sign another player who Inter are already planning to sign next summer six months earlier.
It is no secret that the Nerazzurri want to sign Tiago Djalo on a free transfer in six months when his contract with Lille expires.
But the Nerazzurri could move for the 23-year-old next month. If he were to reinforce the defense, that would free up Darmian to play at wingback.