Stones represents a break from the Oaktree line: free transfer at 32 years old

The arrival of John Stones at Inter marks a change of direction compared to Oaktree‘s usual policy. According to Corriere dello Sport, the English defender represents an exception: a free agent at 32 years old, an age considered advanced in football terms by the American ownership’s standards.

In the evaluations of the Nerazzurri club, Stones was considered capable of making an important contribution in defense. His excellent World Cup performance with the English national team certainly played a role. The choice was also influenced by the difficulties encountered in negotiations for Cristian Romero: Tottenham and the Argentine defender continued to demand sums that were too high.

At Viale della Liberazione, they did not want to go beyond 5 million per year in salary for Cuti, who instead earns 6.5 in London. The agents also aimed high, a detail on which Oaktree is rather strict. The Romero deal is therefore shelved for now, unless the player and the English club move closer to Inter’s demands.

Inter should also find a solution for Benjamin Pavard, for whom there are currently no real offers. Things could reopen, but not immediately. In the meantime, the Nerazzurri club will focus on searching for a right winger, which remains a priority. The money saved for Romero could ultimately be allocated to Curtis Jones, a wish that Cristian Chivu has not set aside.