Inter Milan is considering a new strategy to strengthen its presence across Europe, with Oaktree exploring the possibility of acquiring a first-division club in Belgium, the Netherlands or Portugal, or a second-tier team in Spain.
The proposed investment could range between €25 million and €40 million, with the primary goal of creating another pathway for developing young players rather than sending them elsewhere on loan. The idea would provide a natural next step for Inter’s Under-23 players, who currently compete in Italy’s Serie C.
The strategy follows a model increasingly used by major European clubs. Chelsea, for example, owns Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, while City Football Group has a portfolio of clubs that includes Palermo. Monaco also controls Belgian side Cercle Brugge, while Udinese has maintained its ownership of English club Watford for years.
For Inter, acquiring an established club could offer a faster route to developing its young players than waiting for the Under-23 team to climb through Italy’s divisions. Oaktree’s investment parameters suggest a budget of between €25 million and €40 million, roughly equivalent to the cost of an established first-team player under the club’s recent spending approach.
The timetable could also be relatively short, with Inter potentially aiming to make use of the new club as early as the 2027-28 summer transfer window.
There are sporting and financial incentives behind the plan. Regulations concerning non-EU players vary between European leagues, including limits on registrations and the time required for players to obtain domestic or EU status. Inter could therefore benefit not only from greater flexibility in player development but also from the potential increase in the value of the acquired club over time.
The project fits into a broader attempt by Inter to strengthen its international profile, both on and off the pitch. The club’s ambitions are also reflected in the football demanded by head coach Cristian Chivu, who has repeatedly emphasized an aggressive and dominant style.
However, Inter still has work to do in Europe. Its latest continental campaign ended in the playoff round against Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt, while the defeat at Real Madrid highlighted some of the weaknesses that remain.
The Madrid loss was Inter’s sixth defeat in their last seven European matches, with Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Liverpool, Bodø/Glimt and Real Madrid among the teams to beat them during that run.
Chivu’s side has created plenty of chances, but its attacking wastefulness has not always been enough to offset the risks created by a high defensive line and an aggressive build-up from the back.
Goalkeeper Yann Sommer’s replacement, Josep Martínez, came under particular scrutiny after a costly mistake contributed to Real Madrid’s second goal. Martínez later apologized on social media.
Chivu, however, defended his goalkeeper and remained positive about Inter’s overall performance.
“The path is the right one. We created a lot,” the coach said. “Martínez reacted fantastically after the mistake and made some great saves.”
Inter will have an immediate opportunity to demonstrate that progress in domestic competition. Chivu’s side faces Udinese at San Siro on Monday before travelling to Rome to take on Roma on September 19.
With the club looking to expand its European footprint off the pitch while improving its performances on it, Inter’s next steps could come quickly.
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