Inter Milan have begun to turn in different directions this transfer market, while at first the nerazzurri were bargaining with Real Madrid about Maicon, now it seems like Balotelli could leave for Manchester City. The European champions would have to sell either the Brazilian or the Italian in order to begin to balance the books for the impending financial fair-play rule which will be introduced by UEFA.
At first Real Madrid was offering 25 million Euros for Maicon, but Inter wanted 35 (although it’s rumoured that 30 million would’ve sealed the deal), but Real Madrid have now decided to move Sergio Ramos to right back (seeing his great performances for Spain) and look for a central defender. As for Balotelli, Manchester City offered 30 million Euros for Mario, but for Moratti that isn’t enough. If an offer for 40 million arrives, Moratti would probably send the player to Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City.
Inter Milan have to make a smart decision between Maicon and Balotelli, while Balotelli is a very promising young Italian player, Maicon is probably the best right-back in the world, and finding a replacement would be difficult. Maicon has always shown his love for Inter Milan, like when he scored a stunning winner against Juventus, the Brazilian ran to the Inter fans and yelled that he would remain in Milan. Balotelli on the other hand has always been a difficult player to deal with, not consistent and not needed while Inter Milan have Eto’o and Milito. So it’s very probably that the Italian will leave for Manchester City as long as the right offer comes in.
Balotelli’s replacement would be Palermo’s Edinson Cavani who apparently wants to remain in Italy and would only go to Inter Milan, forcing Zamparini to negotiate with Moratti. Palermo are interested in some of Inter’s youngsters like Khrin, Obinna, and Mariga, but they would only leave on a loan deal. Palermo could consider asking for Muntari as the Ghanaian midfielder had difficulty this past season finding a spot in Inter’s starting 11, therefore being traded for Cavani.
Today should also be the day that Diego Milito (recently nominated as one of the 11 players for the Ballon d’Or) signs a new contract with Inter Milan. This would tie him to Inter until 2014 with a yearly income of 5 million Euros, keeping him away from Real Madrid or any other clubs interested in him.
Inter Milan are preparing for next season with what seems to me like a very good plan, share your thoughts on their transfer market activity below.
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Good post on Inter’s moves this off season. Here’s my question – what impact do you think Benitez is having on the composition of this club? Obviously he has major input, but the quotes always come from Moratti. Maybe a dumb question, but Benitez always complains about meddling management.
The Inter team only needs a couple of changes here and there. I think Benitez will not bring anyone of major importance as long as Maicon and Balotelli stay.
If both are sold, I’d expect a couple of signings. I think in this case the players mentioned are of high quality so there is no need for anyone in specific to endorse a target. In this case, Moratti or Benitez could do that.
Even when Mourinho was in charge, Moratti was often in the media discussing certain players and targets for the club. I don’t see any change now. I think Moratti enjoys being involved and in some cases (nothing offensive meant here) he thinks he’s the transfer guru.
I think Benitez is quiet because he’s happy with the money he’s getting for transfers etc. that’s the only reason I think he’s quiet…
Mourinho didnt complain either and Moratti was more vocal than the Portuguese last season. I remember Mourinho got the players he wanted so he probably felt no need to go out there and make unnecessary statements.
Only bad signing of the Mourinho era was Quaresma.
And Mancini and probably even Muntari…
Yes you are right Niccolo! I totally forgot about Brazilian Mancini. He’s been a disappointment with Inter and then during his loan spell with Milan.
It’s perhaps down to the player’s drop in level since leaving Roma.
I think both players should be sold for different reasons. Balotelli has caused several controversies last season including when he threw his shirt to the ground. That by itself should be reason enough to sell the player.
The problem here is the asking price slapped by Moratti is too high! It’s not like Balotelli was the main reason or was even a catalyst behind Inter’s historic treble. The credit goes to D. Milito, Sneijder, Cambiasso, Maicon and even Zanetti for his consistency. Balotelli was marginal and in the crucial stages of the Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League run he was either suspended by the club or benched or rarely used by Mourinho.
As for Maicon, he had a very slow start to the season and only came to life towards the end of the season. I think he’s becoming complacent and he’s going to be 29 this month. Yes Maicon is fit but he’s in a position which demands a lot of running and I cannot see him switching to centre-back as he gets older. He could play 2 more solid years but his decline is imminent. Time always has the last laugh.
Maicon also mentioned on more than one occasion he’d like to join Real Madrid. Perhaps it’s time for a change of scenery for the right-back. I think Inter would be served best by cashing on both players and bringing in a couple of quality signings instead. If Santon is healthy and fit, he can play right-back and then Inter can go for Lazio’s Kolarov to play on the left flank.
I think in attack Inter could improve so perhaps signing a striker could be another priority. I believe keeping Cambiasso and Sneijder is key, and the sale of either would mean there’s a need to bring in a quality midfielder- perhaps Mascherano instead of Cambiasso.
Inter should sell Maicon to Real Madrid. So that next season Real Madrid will become Champions (Treble cup)