Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi is pushing to sign defender Ricardo Rodriguez on a free transfer for two reasons.
Today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, note that the coach believes that a low-cost signing of the Swiss could allow Inter to sign a striker next month.
Inter are still weighing up their strategy for a defensive signing this summer.
The Nerazzurri still need to sign a defender who can play on the left side of the back three. This would allow Carlos Augusto to move up to wingback whilst Tajon Buchanan is on the sidelines.
Inter owners Oaktree Capital reportedly want to sign a young defender.
The Nerazzurri owners are keen to invest in a player with potential for growth and resale value. They don’t just want a short-term solution.
But if Inter were to go for a stopgap signing, then Swiss international Rodriguez would be a fairly logical candidate.
The 31-year-old is available on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Torino.
Rodriguez would demand just a season-long contract. His wage demands are reportedly around €1.5 million net per season.
Why Simone Inzaghi Puishing For Inter To Sign Ricardo Rodriguez
As far as Inzaghi is concerned, a move for Rodriguez makes sense.
The 31-year-old is a player with plenty of Serie A experience, who would slot directly into the back three without much adjustment given that’s where he’s been playing for Torino and Switzerland.
Inzaghi wants a short-term solution whilst Buchanan is out. But he isn’t pushing for a reinforcement for the long haul.
Furthermore, the Corriere notes, Inzaghi believes that choosing Rodriguez could give Inter room to sign another striker.
The coach is still hoping that Inter sign one more attacking player before the summer transfer window closes.
Specifically, Inzaghi wants a forward with a different profile than the strikers already in the squad, to give the attack tactical versatility.
And the Inter coach feels that if the club only invest minimally in signing Rodriguez, they will be able to move for a striker in the last couple weeks of the transfer window.
