Inter Milan owners Oaktree Capital would prefer a move for Ricardo Rodriguez on a free transfer over signing Mario Hermoso.
This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews. The newspaper report that the lower investment and financial commitment would make the Swiss a more attractive target.
One thing that looks clear is that Inter will sign a defender for the left side of their back three.
The reason for this is that Carlos Augusto will not be playing there next season. The versatile Brazilian will be playing at wingback in the absence of Tajon Buchanan, who’s recovering from a leg break.
Therefore, Inter will need a player who can back up Alessandro Bastoni on the left. Augusto will be tied up on the flank.
Nerazzurri Sporting Director Piero Ausilio has admitted that this is the club’s strategy.
Why Oaktree Prefer Inter Move For Ricardo Rodriguez Over Mario Hermoso
Inter are keeping their options open, although a move for Hellas Verona defender Juan Cabal now appears to be the priority.
That signals the Nerazzurri’s focus on investing in younger players as a part of Oaktree’s transfer strategy.
However, there is also another possibility. And it is a very familiar idea for Inter in recent years.
The Nerazzurri could aim to exploit the free transfer market in their search for a defender, taking the opportunity to sign a player currently out of contract.
Mario Hermoso and Ricardo Rodriguez are two such players. Their deals with Atletico Madrid and Torino respectively expired at the end of last month.
But there is a key difference between the two experienced defenders.
Hermoso would demand a three-year contract worth €3.5 million net per season.
Meanwhile, in the case of Rodriguez, the 31-year-old would be happy with just a one-year deal worth €1.5 million net.
For Oaktree, therefore, if Inter are to invest in a contract for an out-of-contract defender, they would prefer that it be a much cheaper and more temporary solution in the circumstances.
