In a season colored by turbulence and renewal, the question who should Inter Milan sign looms large over San Siro. With a shift in leadership, tactical tweaks under Cristian Chivu, and a shifting youth-first transfer philosophy, the Nerazzurri stand at a crossroads: continue leaning on homegrown potential or make a bold external splash to reclaim domestic and European dominance. In this article, IndiGoal delves into Inter’s needs, potential targets, and a blueprint for reinvigoration — helping fans and analysts alike imagine the future of the blue and black.
The context: Inter’s current squad and transfer stance
To answer who should Inter Milan sign, we must begin by diagnosing the squad’s strengths, its weaknesses, and the club’s transfer strategy under new regime.
Squad profile & strategy reset
Inter have already shown signs of a strategic pivot. Their summer 2025 business emphasized youthful signings: Petar Sucic, Luis Henrique, Ange-Yoan Bonny, and Andy Diouf were added to lower the average age and build for the future. The club has openly discussed a long-term project over instant fixes. (These additions underline their new direction.)
However, the squad still carries experienced pillars like Lautaro Martínez, Benedikt Pavard, and existing internal demands for reinforcements in key areas. With Chivu now in charge, flexibility, rotation, and dynamism are expected to be priorities.
Key weaknesses & priority areas
Multiple sources suggest Inter’s most pressing needs align across three positional zones: a center-forward, a wing-back (often on the right), and central defense. This trifecta has been flagged repeatedly as their “three priorities.”
Moreover, financial prudence is in play: reports hint Inter have reserved around €30 million for future windows.
In short: the club wants to inject quality without risking balance. The rest of this article proposes candidates and scenarios consistent with that ambition.
Position-by-position guide: Who to sign and why
Below, IndiGoal walks through the positions where Inter should invest — and highlights realistic and ambitious targets.
Center-forward / Striker
Lautaro is still a fulcrum, but he needs a co-lead or an heir. If Mehdi Taremi departs (a possibility floated with modest return), the path clears for a marquee strike addition.
Top candidates:
- Rasmus Hojlund — A revival candidate. With limited impact at Manchester United, his prior Serie A success makes him a tempting, if risky, pickup.
- Joshua Zirkzee — Versatile and technically gifted. A loan with option could make sense in a transitional rebuild.
- Francesco Pio Esposito — Already part of the Inter fold. The young Italian (born 2005) showed promise on loan at Spezia. If nurtured, he can grow into a central attacking option.
A balanced approach: pair Esposito with one external forward to ensure immediate and future value.
Wing-back / Full-back
Inter’s full-back engine has lacked consistency. On the right flank especially, options have sometimes felt thin or predictable.
Targets worth pursuit:
- Luis Henrique — Already signed, but his adaptation and long-term performance will matter: he represents the new model of athletic, attack-aware full-back.
- Alternative right wing-back targets.
Central defense / Center-back
A sturdy defense remains crucial for title challenges and European nights.
Possible picks:
- Oumar Solet — A name linked with Inter defensively; his physicality and youth make him an interesting option.
- Renato Veiga — Young Portuguese defender flagged in rumors; if Benjamin Pavard leaves, Veiga becomes even more attractive.
- Samuele Ricci (defensive mid/center-back convertible) — Sometimes cited as a target, his versatility may help Inter adapt dynamically.
Midfield / Creative core
Though Inter added Sucic and Diouf, there is still need for a creative or box-to-box engine.
Strong ideas:
- Nico Paz — An Argentine midfield prospect at Como frequently linked. He offers dribbling, vision, and upgrade potential over aging Mkhitaryan / Calhanoglu elements.
- Manu Koné — A more mature midfield target believed to be under consideration in recent reports.
- Other breakout young midfielders.
Additional: Goalkeeper & squad depth
While not as urgent, some voices suggest that Inter could explore enhancing their goalkeeping options as Sommer’s long-term role remains uncertain.
Also, backups for each position will matter — especially in competing across Serie A, Coppa Italia, and European competition.
Recommended target shortlist
Here’s a curated shortlist that best balances promise, risk, and fit with Inter’s evolving project:
| Position | Target | Why it fits the project |
| Forward | Rasmus Hojlund / Zirkzee | Adds attacking depth and potential resale value |
| Forward | Francesco Pio Esposito | Internal development path |
| Wing-back | Additional right flank option | To complement Henrique |
| Center-back | Oumar Solet / Renato Veiga | Youth, physicality, room to grow |
| Midfield | Nico Paz | Creative upside, long-term asset |
| Midfield | Manu Koné | More immediate impact in midfield engine |
This mix implies a dual-track approach: sign 2–3 external talents while accelerating the rise of internal and recent young additions.
Transfer strategy & challenges
Signing is rarely just about names. Inter must navigate:
- Financial Fair Play constraints — Large fees or wages must align with sustainable income.
- Competition from other clubs — Italian and European rivals are similarly hunting emerging midfielders and defenders.
- Player willingness and adaptation — Young recruits need time to adjust to the pace, tactics, and pressure of a top-tier club.
- Balancing ambition and patience — Expectation from fans is high; the board must manage it carefully.
Inter’s plan to stash €30 million, plus recent youth-heavy additions, suggests prudence. They’ll likely aim for smart, medium-term investments rather than blockbuster splashes beyond reach.
Projection: What the squad could look like
If Inter land a striker, a defensive reinforcement, and a midfield gem while embedding their young signees, the squad might evolve into:
- Attack rotation: Lautaro, new striker, Esposito
- Wing-backs: Henrique (right), and existing left options
- Central defense: Pavard (if retained) or his replacement + new youth center-back
- Midfield: Sucic, Diouf, Paz, possibly Koné
- Depth: Versatile youth and rotational backups
That sort of balance — blending experience and youth, physicality and flair — could restore Inter as a force in Serie A and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Who should Inter Milan sign is far. The ideal answer is a vision: combine young, high-potential talents with carefully chosen experienced pieces — all within financial limits and club identity.
Right now, the blueprint suggests:
- A striker (locally developed or external)
- A defensive reinforcement
- A creative midfielder
Add to that internal growth (Esposito, Sucic, Diouf) and you have a sustainable, future-forward squad.
IndiGoal encourages you — Inter fans and neutral observers alike — to keep watching. In the coming windows, these choices will shape how the Nerazzurri roar (or falter) in the push for silverware.
If you enjoyed this breakdown or want profiles of each target, drop a message — we’ll continue constructing this story together.
