The possible termination of Joao Mario’s contract at Inter to force his move through to Benfica has put a huge dent in Inter’s transfer plans this summer, according to a report in the Italian media.
As has been reported by L’Interista, the situation around Joao Mario has created a huge headache for Inter’s Chief Executive Officer Beppe Marotta. Inter were supposed to be receiving a €7.5 million transfer fee for the Portuguese midfielder.
The clause that Sporting Lisbon inserted in 2016 when they sold Joao Mario to Inter stipulates that if Inter sell him to a Portuguese side, they must pay Sporting Lisbon €30 million in compensation.
It is not clear if this is actually legal but none of the three clubs wants to be drawn into a long and expensive legal battle. The solution now seems to be for Inter to terminate his contract so that he joins Benfica for free and no money needs to be paid to Sporting Lisbon.
