During the recent transfer window, Inter Milan’s head coach, Simone Inzaghi, had high hopes of bolstering his defense by signing Mario Hermoso, a seasoned Spanish defender. The 29-year-old Hermoso, who ended his five-year stint with Atlético Madrid in June, was available on a free transfer, making him a prime candidate to fill the void in Inter’s backline. Inzaghi saw Hermoso as an ideal fit, especially after the injury to Tajon Buchanan, which left Alessandro Bastoni without a clear backup. Hermoso’s experience and left-footed ability made him an attractive option for the Italian champions.
However, despite Inzaghi’s strong desire to bring Hermoso to the San Siro, the club’s owners, Oaktree Capital, had a different vision. Oaktree, focused on long-term investments and the resale value of players, insisted on signing a younger talent with the potential to increase in value over time. As a result, the decision was made to pursue 21-year-old Argentine defender Tomás Palacios from Independiente Rivadavia instead of Hermoso.
This choice reflects Inter Milan’s broader strategy, where financial considerations and prospects are heavily weighed in transfer decisions. While Hermoso’s experience would have been invaluable, particularly in European competitions, Oaktree Capital’s preference for youth ultimately shaped the club’s transfer policy.
Hermoso, who eventually joined AS Roma on a free transfer, will now be a part of a defense that recently added another high-profile free agent, Mats Hummels. His move to Roma signifies a shift in Serie A, with top clubs competing for free agents to strengthen their squads.
Meanwhile, Inzaghi must rely on Palacios to step up and prove his worth at Inter Milan. The young Argentine defender will have big shoes to fill, as the club aims to defend its Serie A title and make a deep run in the UEFA Champions League.
This situation highlights the delicate balance between a coach’s tactical vision and the club’s financial strategy, a dynamic that often plays out behind the scenes in modern football.
