Champions League Exit Puts Inter in Operational Quandary: Grealish Target Requires Çalhanoğlu Sale, Midfield Overhaul Looms

Inter’s elimination by Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League has left the club not only embarrassed on the pitch but also facing a major financial shortfall. Post-match discussions, including from Bergomi and other experts, highlighted the fiscal gap: in past seasons, Champions League revenue allowed Inter to retain key players, but this setback may force a return to austerity.

According to journalist Guaro, Inter is negotiating with Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka for a potential free transfer this summer. Guaro emphasized: “The rumors about Goretzka are true, but the deal is not at an advanced stage, nor does it mean Inter will definitely sign him.”

Goretzka was previously close to joining Atlético Madrid but pulled out over a salary dispute, reportedly seeking around €13 million pre-tax per year—roughly equal to Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s current wages. A contract would likely be at least three years and involve commissions. Guaro stated bluntly: “To sign Goretzka, Inter must free up salary space, primarily by selling Çalhanoğlu.”

Çalhanoğlu himself wants to leave; last summer, if Galatasaray had offered more than €7 million, he might have already departed. The Champions League exit slashed Inter’s bonus revenue from €136 million last season to €71.27 million—a nearly 50% drop—making sales of key players inevitable.

Other core players like Nicolò Barella and Jean-Clair Todibo could also be put on the market. Guaro notes that this reflects a shift in Oak Capital’s policy, relaxing restrictions on players over 30 or nearing contract expiry: “Replacing multiple departures solely with youth is tough; signing experienced free agents is a practical compromise.”

Goretzka, 30, seeks a fresh start after losing his starting role at Bayern. For Inter, a free, experienced German international is appealing—but only if Çalhanoğlu is sold first. Should Barella or Todibo also leave, Inter’s midfield will face a full-scale rebuild.

The club is planning a midfield and attacking overhaul, blending free agents and young talent, but whether performance will be maintained remains uncertain.