Suning have set a clear deadline for their decision on whether to refinance their debt or sell Inter Milan.

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

May of 2024 has always been clearly marked on the calendar as the absolute deadline for Suning to make a decision regarding their future at Inter.

That is when the sizable loan that the owners took on from US-based fund took on in 2021 comes due.

That loan covered operating costs at the Nerazzurri during a pandemic-related financial crisis.

And because Suning put Inter up as collateral, control of the club would pass into the hands of Oaktree should the owners be unable to repay the debt, including all interest.

Since there is no chance of Suning doing so, they have two options. Either sell the club, or refinance the debt.

The Inter owners have made their preference abundantly clear. Suning want to refinance.

But there are just a few weeks left in which to set up such an operation.

End Of February The Decisive Deadline For Suning To Make A Decision At Inter

Because setting up a refinancing operation would take around six weeks at the least, Suning cannot drag their heels right until May.

Instead, La Repubblica anticipates, the Nerazzurri owners will make a decision by the end of February.

Inter will work with US-based investment bank Goldman Sachs to find a new lender with whom to refinance their debt over the coming weeks.

The interest rates will be between 16% and 18%. That is, at least, if there is not intervention from the European Central Bank to lower them.

Suning have until the end of February to set up a refinancing structure.

Otherwise, La Repubblica report, the Inter owners will take a different track.

If unable to secure refinancing by the end of February, the Nerazzurri owners will look for a buyer.

There have been plenty of rumours of interest in this regard. And if Suning do go that route, they’ll intensify work with the Raine Group.

Raine Group was the fund that, among other things, facilitated the takeover of Chelsea by a consortium led by Todd Boehly.

There are factors that could play in favour of Suning refinancing.

The situation with a new stadium in Rozzano looks fairly positive. That would mean a guarantee of future revenue increases should Inter be able to begin construction soon.

Then there is the matter of the UEFA Club World Cup.

On the other hand, Inter President Steven Zhang is facing a lawsuit from creditors in a Milanese court.

In other words – there are prospects that could enable Suning to secure refinancing. But also some possible setbacks.

And right around eight weeks in which for the Inter owners to do so.

Otherwise, La Repubblica report, Suning would shift gears and work to sell Inter to new owners.