The future of Benjamin Pavard is up in the air again after Marseille confirmed they will not trigger their purchase option, with the France defender set to return to Inter Milan before being moved on, and Saudi Arabia and Turkey emerging as the most realistic destinations.
Marseille’s decision leaves Inter with a problem, as per L’Interista.
Pavard does not feature in Cristian Chivu’s plans and the club want to find a solution quickly.
The challenge is financial.
Indeed, his salary of around €5 million net per season and a transfer fee in the region of €15 million make him a difficult sell in the current European market.
In England, Manchester United and Tottenham had been considered credible options, but Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment at Spurs effectively closes that door.
The pair’s difficult working relationship at Marseille makes a reunion unlikely.
Saudi Arabia & Turkey Offer Most Realistic Exit Routes For Inter Milan Outcast Pavard
The most concrete interest now comes from outside Europe’s top leagues.
Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia have the financial firepower to meet both his salary demands and his transfer fee.
And, indeed, both clubs have shown appetite for established European defenders in recent windows.
Galatasaray and Fenerbahce in Turkey are also monitoring the situation, though the salary remains a sticking point in that market. Creative deal structures could help bridge the gap.
Inter want this resolved quickly.
Pavard’s next move is his own decision to make, but the clock is ticking.