The arrival of John Stones on a free transfer marks a possible change of direction in the Nerazzurri’s transfer strategies. The English defender, acquired at no cost from Manchester City, could represent an exception to the line followed in recent months, or the beginning of a new openness towards this type of operation.
According to Corriere dello Sport, it seemed that the club had abandoned the pursuit of free agents, especially those of a more advanced age. In Oaktree’s view, in fact, such profiles did not guarantee asset value for the club. The intention was to possibly focus on younger players, real opportunities, but only with limited commissions.
Stones, at 32 years old, is at least an exception. The two-year contract and the reduced commissions for his agents, about 3 million euros, made the operation sustainable. It is not certain that this is a definitive turning point, but at least it is a sign of willingness towards solutions of this kind.
Marotta and Ausilio, moreover, have shown over the years that they know how to move skillfully in the free transfer market. The trophies won and kept in viale Liberazione are concrete proof of this.
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