A decision not to move for Mario Hermoso could highlight the big difference in Inter Milan’s transfer policy under Oaktree Capital and Suning.
This is the view in today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews. They suggest that this could be an “own goal” from the owners.
It is not yet certain who Inter will sign in defense.
What is clear is that the Nerazzurri will sign a left-sided defender after the injury to Tajon Buchanan.
However, there are two different paths that the club could go down.
One would be to sign an experienced defender available on a free transfer. Mario Hermoso and Ricardo Rodriguez are the two names to have been linked in that respect.
But reportedly, Inter owners Oaktree prefer a different path. The owners want to invest in a younger defender.
This signals Oaktree’s commitment to building around young players.
Nixing the signing of Hermoso – who Inter coach Simone Inzaghi would prefer, given his readymade experience – would be the first real major transfer decision Oaktree make as Inter owners.
Mario Hermoso Decision Highlights Difference Between Oaktree & Suning As Inter Owners
Tuttosport question whether the decision to pass up a free transfer opportunity like Hermoso is a wise one by Oaktree.
Under previous owners Suning, free transfer signings were a pillar of the Nerazzurri’s transfer strategy.
A move for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, for example, was never about building for the long-term future.
But few would deny that the Armenian’s signing has strengthened Inter in the present.
Inter have made two signings similar to Mkhitaryan’s this summer. Mehdi Taremi and Piotr Zielinski have both arrived on free transfer.
Both Taremi and Zielinski have already turned thirty. But they certainly have the proven quality to strengthen Inter’s squad for at least a couple of seasons.
Both of those deals are ones that Inter wrapped up before Oaktree’s arrival.
And Tuttosport speculate that the US fund would not have green-lit them.