FOOTBALL
Why are Inter Milan selling their best players?
Romelu Lukaku returned to Chelsea seven years after leaving the club for Everton.
The reigning champions of Europe spent £98 million on a player they sold for £35 million.
The Belgian revitalized his career at Inter Milan, where he scored 64 goals in 95 appearances and staked a claim for the crown of Europe’s best striker.
While Lukaku got a second chance to prove himself at Chelsea, he wasn’t overly eager to take it.
At Inter, he had just led Inter Milan to the Scudetto, breaking Juvetus’s 10-year stranglehold on the Serie A title.
He appeared to be the face of the Inter Milan revival; his murals graced the walls of the Fashion Capital of the World; the Nerazzurri fans sang his heroics on the streets. He wanted the story to continue.
After winning their first league title in a decade, Inter fans were dreaming of a new era of dominance.
Zhang Jindong, chairman of the holding company that owns Inter Milan, promised that this is a dawn of a new era indeed.
The club will not be content winning the Scudetto and set its eyes on more glory.
Severe financial troubles
Unfortunately, it turned out to be an empty promise.
Suning Group, the Chinese conglomerate owners of Inter Milan, are going through severe financial troubles.
The pandemic has had severely affected the company’s finances. With the debts piling up above the billion-dollar mark, they were forced to sell 25% of their shares to Chinese government investors.
Ever since their takeover of Inter from Massimo Moratti in 2016, the group has invested $845 million in the club.
Just before the pandemic broke out, they had spent almost €200m on transfers including the marquee signing of Romalu Lukaku from Manchester United, which set the club back as much as €74m.
Arrival and departure of Conte
They brought in Antonio Conte with a clear vision; reinstate Inter as an Italian elite.
The former Juventus manager didn’t disappoint.
Even though Inter didn’t meet expectations in Europe, they finished second in Serie A in 2019/20. The following season, they ended up winning it.
But the financial woes of Inter owners compelled them to take extreme measures to curb costs.
They have taken out more than $300m on loan to fund club operations. To finance the loan repayments, they decided to liquefy the club’s best assets.
Getting wind of this, Conte left the club, citing a difference in opinions regarding the club’s future.
Achraf Hakimi joined PSG for a €60m fee. A few weeks later, Lukaku was sold to Chelsea for €115m. Simone Inzaghi, the new Inter Milan head coach will only get €40m to replace the players who have already left the club.
More players could leave
With the transfer window still active, more players, including the likes of Lautaro Martinez and Nicolo Barella, could leave the club for hefty fees.
Needless to say, it would be difficult for Inter Milan to hold on to their title this season, given the hardship they are going through.
The fans are furious with the owners, and they are demanding their departure from the club.
Suning Group is actively negotiating to sell the club to a British equity farm.
Should the deal go through, Inter fans might get to see more stability at the club.
FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.
Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.
The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!
FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.
The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.
FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.
FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!
Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.
The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.
Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.
Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.
This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.
Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.
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