Erick Thohir says that the entire Inter squad will be assessed in the summer, as he reflects on transfer plans further.
The President has today taken questions at the club’s shareholders’ meeting and reflected on rumours that to fund activity in the summer market, the club will first have to sell.
Erick Thohir says that the entire Inter squad will be assessed in the summer, as he reflects on transfer plans further.
The President has today taken questions at the club’s shareholders’ meeting and reflected on rumours that to fund activity in the summer market, the club will first have to sell.
“After these three remaining games [of the season], with the sporting director and the Coach we will review the entire squad, starting with the players whose contracts are due,” Thohir has responded today.
“We are not saying that everyone will be renewed, it is necessary to assess. We will evaluate the performance of everyone.
“If you remember, in January we signed Hernanes for the option to play him in midfield, and D’Ambrosio to fill a void on the wings.
“In June we will sign another winger and even review another forward, as currently we have only Icardi, Palacio and Milito is expiring. We need to talk with him.
“It is nice to have big names, but the reality is that the negotiations are not guaranteed, I will announce the players when they are signed up, the rest is just rumours.
“It is necessary to have a complete team, to better face the next few seasons.”
Thohir was asked, though, whether the team need a big name signing to help drive his plans on brand development.
“Decisions must be taken on a collective level. I speak also about our major sponsors, to understand their developmental needs in the global market.
“In Asia there are 120m Inter fans, the brand is very well known. The fact that there are two or three very important players in terms of image, such as Yuto Nagatomo, this is important.
“We have also signed Nemanja Vidic, a player that is followed in Asia. He is a marketing tool but at the same time an important player, he is still captain of Manchester United.
“Talks are held with the technical and commercial sectors and are always linked to the budget.
“Hernanes at a strategic level has a reason, we have paid so much for him but at a strategy level he is important since the Brazilian market is significant.
“Speaking with Nike and with Pirelli we have realised the importance, but they will not buy the players for the club.”
The President also considered further Javier Zanetti’s move into management, which he confirmed yesterday.
“The captain will be part of the club, but we want to focus on upcoming matches. Yesterday I came in to support the team.
“Zanetti will now study English and some elements of management, which he needs to do, so as not to just know the sporting aspect.”
Thohir was asked about Walter Mazzarri’s position as Coach.
“We are fine with him, we need a Coach who shares with the staff the view of the market and work over a period of two-three years. Only in this way can we work with the aim of obtaining trophies.”