One hundred and forty-four minutes on the pitch since the start of the season. This is the tally so far for Stones at Inter, a contribution reduced to a minimum due to the physical problems that have affected the English defender since his arrival from Manchester City on a free transfer. A performance that, according to la Gazzetta dello Sport, could reopen transfer market scenarios as early as January.
The sports daily emphasizes that coach Chivu is still counting on the player and intends to continue to do so, but specifies that “everything depends on the Englishman’s fitness.” If the situation does not improve during the month of January, the club could consider making a move in the market. “A scenario that has not yet been discussed, of course, but which could also occur,” the newspaper reads. In that case, the arrival of a new center-back would also require an update to the squad lists.
La Gazzetta frames Stones as a profile to be evaluated on several fronts: on one hand, his experience, trophies, and the Champions League won in 2023 as a midfielder carry weight; on the other hand, the well-known physical problems that limit his availability remain.
On the broader front of Inter’s transfer market ahead of January, the Milanese daily is clear: Inter has no need to intervene and should not make any moves. The hypothesis of a fifth striker, which had already circulated previously, is to be excluded. The only window remains that of a central defender, but only in the event of a sale of Stones. If the Englishman can provide adequate physical guarantees, Inter’s transfer market will remain closed until the summer.
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