Inter Milan will reportedly target Udinse defender Jaka Bijol if they were to part ways with Stefan de Vrij this summer.
The 25-year-old has been playing his football in Udine since making the move from CSKA Moscow in 2022.
The Slovenian immediately cemented himself as a main protagonist at the back for the Zebrette. He was also a pivotal member of his national team’s impressive EURO 2024 campaign.
So according to Il Corriere dello Sport via FcInterNews, Inter have now identified Bijol as the right profile to replace de Vrij who might be on his way out of the club.
The 32-year-old Dutchman still has a contract with the Nerazzurri for another year. However, he has reportedly attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League.
And just like de Vrij, Bijol is often deployed at the heart of a three-man backline.
The Slovenia international has a contract with Udinese valid until June 2027.
Inter Milan Pinpoint Jaka Bijol As Ideal Replacement For Stefan De Vrij
The Roman newspaper also tips the former CSKA and Hannover defender to join the Italian champions in 2025 if he were to linger in Udine for another year.
That’s because the contract of de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi will expire next June, which would leave openings at the back.
However, the Nerazzurri could completely miss out on their transfer target if they don’t finalize the transfer this summer.
As the source explains, Bologna have entered the fray for Bijol. The Rossoblu agreed to sell their star defender Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal, so they will require a new centre-back.
The Emilians will have the necessary resources to put the deal over the line thanks to Calafiori’s sale. They can also count on their historic participation in the Champions League to generate additional funds.
