How Inter Milan Transfer Strategy Will Change If Netherlands Defender Leaves In January | OneFootball

Inter Milan could shift their January transfer strategy significantly if Stefan de Vrij decides to leave the club midway through the season, with Italian media outlining how any departure would reshape priorities.

As previously reported, the Dutch defender is seeking greater playing time in order to strengthen his chances of selection for the Netherlands at the next World Cup.

That context means a January exit cannot be ruled out if attractive offers arrive and De Vrij feels his situation will not change.

De Vrij Saga Will Swing Balance Of Inter Milan Transfer Plans

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 21: Stefan de Vrij #6 of FC Internazionale Milano passes the ball while under pressure from Samuel Gustafson #11 of Urawa Red Diamonds during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

According to Corriere dello Sport, both Inter and Cristian Chivu would prefer to retain the experienced centre-back.

However, the newspaper underlines that an unhappy player can quickly become a broader issue within the squad.

Therefore making a separation a realistic scenario if circumstances align.

In the event of De Vrij’s departure, Inter would almost certainly be forced to intervene in defence.

The response, though, would not necessarily involve signing a traditional central defender.

Instead, the preference would be for a left-sided centre-back, a “braccetto”, capable of providing a direct alternative to Alessandro Bastoni.

Such a move would also address a recurring structural issue.

Without a natural deputy to Dimarco on the left, Carlos Augusto has often been asked to split his duties.

Adding a specialist profile would allow Chivu to preserve balance and avoid reshuffling roles during a congested schedule.

For now, Inter’s stance remains cautious.

But Corriere dello Sport’s analysis makes one thing clear. If De Vrij leaves in January, the Nerazzurri’s transfer plans would move quickly from patience to necessity.