Inter, watch out for Ovando: sporting director Baccin is considering a defensive reinforcement as early as January

According to Tuttosport, Inter has planned a defensive move for the 2027/28 season, but circumstances could push the club to bring the operation forward to the January transfer window. Everything will depend on the physical condition of Stones, who so far has played only 144 minutes in total between the league and Champions League, split over 4 appearances, and has returned to the squad for the match against Como after almost two months out.

Sporting director Baccin is reportedly already working to identify profiles suitable for Chivu‘s system: the Nerazzurri’s defensive department, reshaped following the departures of De Vrij and Acerbi, according to the newspaper, needs fast, technically skilled, and interchangeable players. If doubts about the Englishman’s fitness persist, the club could act ahead of the original plans.

The sporting director’s shortlist already includes well-known names: Jeltsch, central defender for Stuttgart who reached the final of the latest edition of the Golden Boy, and Richards from Crystal Palace. According to Sportitalia, Ovando, a nineteen-year-old from Rosario Central who is already being monitored by the Argentine national team, has also been added. The South American is reportedly valued between 15 and 20 million euros and is also liked by Napoli.

Inter, therefore, is monitoring several options at the same time. The choice between an immediate move in January or a planned one in the summer will mainly depend on whether new doubts and concerns arise regarding Stones’ condition.