As the January transfer window draws to a close, Inter Milan's ambitions to bolster their squad with winger Moussa Diaby from Al-Ittihad appear increasingly dim. Reports suggest that the Italian club is pessimistic about their prospects of finalizing a deal, particularly after their initial loan proposal, which included a €35 million buyout clause, was rebuffed by Al-Ittihad's Public Investment Fund (PIF) owners. This setback leaves Inter in a precarious position, scrambling to find a suitable replacement for the sidelined Denzel Dumfries, while Diaby's current club seems more focused on other transfer priorities, such as the acquisition of Moroccan forward Youssef En-Nesyri.
Inter Milan's Stalled Bid for Al-Ittihad's Moussa Diaby
In the final crucial hours of the winter transfer window, Inter Milan finds itself in a challenging predicament regarding their pursuit of Al-Ittihad's talented winger, Moussa Diaby. The Serie A leaders are reportedly facing significant obstacles, with Italian media, including FCInter1908, indicating a prevailing sense of pessimism within the club regarding the feasibility of this high-profile transfer. The need to secure a reliable replacement for the injured Denzel Dumfries is pressing, yet Inter's efforts have been met with resistance.
Specifically, Al-Ittihad's owners, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), have firmly rejected Inter's opening bid, which proposed a loan agreement with an option to buy for €35 million. This offer did not align with PIF's expectations, and their current focus appears to be directed elsewhere in the transfer market, notably on the impending arrival of Moroccan center-forward Youssef En-Nesyri. Consequently, discussions surrounding Diaby's future have taken a back seat for the Saudi Arabian club, leaving Inter Milan with limited time and dwindling options to strengthen their squad before the transfer deadline.
The current situation highlights the intricate dynamics of football transfers, where financial valuations, strategic priorities, and timing all play critical roles. Inter Milan's experience with the Diaby deal underscores the challenges clubs face when attempting to secure key players, particularly from financially robust entities like Al-Ittihad. It serves as a reminder that even with strong intentions and a clear need, successful transfers are never guaranteed and often depend on a multitude of external factors and the willingness of all parties involved to compromise.