Inter Milan and its fans are facing uncertainty following the club’s Serie A title win, as club owner Suning and Inter president Steven Zhang risk losing control of the club if they do not repay a debt of nearly 400 million euros to American investment fund Oaktree. The deadline for repayment has passed, and there is no word on the outcome. Zhang has attempted to extend the deadline and come up with alternative solutions, but so far, without success. If the debt is not repaid, Oaktree could complete the acquisition of Inter in the next few days, although it is unclear whether the fund will keep the club long term or seek a buyer.
Inter’s situation is reminiscent of AC Milan’s takeover by American fund Elliott Management in 2018 after the previous owner missed a loan repayment deadline. Elliott was initially expected to sell the club, but it held on to it for five years before selling to RedBird Capital Partners last year, shortly after Milan won the Serie A title. This precedent raises questions about the future direction of Inter Milan, should Oaktree take control of the club. The uncertainty surrounding the ownership situation has left fans and stakeholders anxious about what lies ahead for the Nerazzurri.
Despite the financial challenges facing Inter Milan, club CEO Giuseppe Marotta expressed confidence in the club’s stability amid the deadline for the loan repayment. Marotta reassured fans that whatever decision the Zhang family makes will be in the best interest of the club they love. However, the looming threat of losing control of the club due to financial obligations has cast a shadow over the recent celebrations of winning the Serie A title. The potential impact of a change in ownership on the team’s future plans and competitiveness in Italian and European competitions remains a source of concern for Inter supporters.
The takeover of Inter Milan by Oaktree would mark a significant turning point for the club, potentially leading to a new era under different ownership. While the exact intentions of Oaktree regarding the future management of Inter are unclear, the possibility of a change in ownership raises questions about the club’s financial stability and long-term prospects. The fate of Inter Milan hinges on the outcome of the debt repayment situation and the decisions made by both Suning and Zhang in the coming days. The uncertainty surrounding the club’s ownership represents a challenging period for Inter as they navigate this crucial juncture in their history.
As the deadline for loan repayment has passed without a resolution, Inter Milan and its fans await further developments regarding the club’s ownership status. The outcome of negotiations with Oaktree will determine the future trajectory of Inter and have implications for the club’s competitiveness in domestic and international competitions. The potential change in ownership signals a period of transition for Inter Milan, with the club facing an uncertain future amidst financial woes. The next steps taken by Suning, Zhang, and Oaktree will shape the destiny of the Nerazzurri and determine the path forward for one of Italy’s most storied football clubs. Inter Milan’s journey following their Serie A triumph is clouded with uncertainty, as they grapple with the prospect of a change in ownership and the challenges it may bring.
