Inter Milan finds itself navigating a familiar, perhaps unsettling, post-season landscape. Hot on the heels of their recent defeat in the Champions League final – this time against Paris Saint-Germain – the club is grappling with mounting speculation regarding the futures of several key players. The names currently dominating the transfer rumour mill are midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, wing-back Denzel Dumfries, and goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
For keen observers of the Nerazzurri, this scenario feels like a distinct case of déjà vu. Only a couple of years ago, following their hard-fought but ultimately unsuccessful Champions League final appearance against Manchester City in Istanbul, Inter experienced a similar wave of significant player departures.
Echoes of 2023
The aftermath of the 2023 final saw pivotal figures move on. André Onana, who arrived on a free transfer, was sold to Manchester United for a considerable profit. Milan Skriniar, a defensive stalwart, left the club on a free transfer to join Paris Saint-Germain – coincidentally, the very opponent in this year`s final. Midfield orchestrator Marcelo Brozovic also departed for Saudi Arabia. Even attackers like Romelu Lukaku (ending his loan) and Edin Dzeko (contract expired) were part of the reshuffle. This post-final period effectively saw the core of the team undergo substantial change.
Fast forward to the summer of 2025, and the narrative arc appears surprisingly similar. This recent Champions League journey was widely praised, arguably even more epic than the 2023 campaign given the challenging group stage and knockout ties. Yet, the final step proved insurmountable once again, perhaps making this defeat even more difficult to digest. The resulting disappointment seems to have created an environment ripe for transfer contemplation, mirroring the patterns observed after Istanbul.
The Class of 2025 (Potential Departures)
Leading the pack of players linked with an exit is Hakan Calhanoglu. The Turkish international is reportedly eager for a return to his homeland, with Galatasaray showing strong interest. This situation parallels that of Marcelo Brozovic in 2023 – a vital midfielder contemplating a move away from San Siro, although, as of now, formal proposals are yet to land on Inter`s desk. It`s the classic transfer market dance, where intentions are clear but the official steps are pending.
Denzel Dumfries` situation carries a different nuance but evokes the defensive departure of Skriniar. While Skriniar left for free, Dumfries possesses a €25 million release clause. This pre-defined figure significantly limits Inter`s bargaining power. Just as the club was somewhat powerless to prevent Skriniar`s free departure once his contract ended and PSG came calling, they must now largely spectate and hope that top clubs like Barcelona or Manchester City don`t trigger Dumfries` clause.
Goalkeeper Yann Sommer`s potential departure is perhaps less financially motivated for Inter than Onana`s exit was. Inter made a tidy sum from Onana, who was a free acquisition. However, the underlying trend remains consistent: a Champions League final disappointment coinciding with a starting player potentially considering a move, whether driven by personal ambition, market opportunity, or the general post-defeat sentiment. The cyclic nature of football, they say, is unavoidable.
Conclusion: History`s Rhythmic Beat
Is it mere coincidence, the cruel rhythm of the transfer market, or a tangible consequence of the emotional and physical toll of a deep European run ending in heartbreak? Regardless of the precise causality, the pattern is undeniable. Reaching the summit only to fall just short seems to be a catalyst for significant squad turnover at Inter Milan. The club`s management faces the familiar challenge of potentially replacing key figures while attempting to build a squad capable of challenging on all fronts once more. It`s a demanding, recurring test of their recruitment and strategic acumen.
Ewan Marwood