Inter Sets €40‑50 Million Summer Budget as Defensive Overhaul Looms

TL;DR: Inter has earmarked €40‑50 million for the 2024‑25 summer market, but the exact spend hinges on the sale of centre‑back Alessandro Bastoni and the departure of four senior defenders.

Inter Milan’s owners have confirmed a transfer budget between €40 million and €50 million for the upcoming window. The ceiling could rise if the club cashes in on high‑value assets, most notably Bastoni, whose contract situation remains unresolved.

Four defenders will exit on June expirations: goalkeeper‑turned‑defender Yann Sommer, full‑back Matteo Darmian, veteran centre‑back Francesco Acerbi and experienced Dutch defender Stefan De Vrij. Their departures create a clear need for a defensive rebuild.

Bastoni’s future dominates Inter’s planning. Barcelona have expressed interest, yet no formal bid has materialised, leaving the Italian club in a holding pattern. Should a sale occur, the additional funds could accelerate the acquisition of replacements.

Inter have already identified targets to fill the void. Tottenham’s goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is the preferred successor to Sommer, while Liverpool centre‑back Giovanni Leoni, a former Parma player under Cristian Chivu, is linked as a potential addition. Sassuolo’s centre‑back Tarik Muharemovic has reached a personal agreement, though club negotiations remain early.

The defensive overhaul may also prompt a tactical shift. President Beppe Marotta hinted at a possible transition to a four‑man back line, which would broaden the pool of suitable signings, including versatile full‑back Marco Palestra, currently owned by Atalanta.

Beyond defence, Inter anticipate further squad changes. Midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is set to leave on a free transfer, and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones has emerged as a target, indicating a broader refresh ahead of the 2026‑27 season.

What it means: Inter’s modest budget reflects a measured approach after clinching their 21st Scudetto. The club’s ability to replace departing defenders will depend on whether Bastoni departs and how quickly negotiations with identified targets progress. The next weeks will reveal whether Inter can reinforce the back line within the allocated funds or will need to adjust their strategy.

*Watch for an official statement on Bastoni’s status and any confirmed offers from Barcelona, as these will dictate the final shape of Inter’s summer spending.*