Official: Carboni returns to Inter and Empoli sign Kovalenko as free agent | OneFootball

The transfer deadline is passed, but Inter announced the return of injured Valentin Carboni early from Olympique Marseille, while Empoli signed Viktor Kovalenko.

While the January window has now concluded, clubs can still add players who were free agents or bring others back from loan experiences.

Inter released a formal statement confirming that Carboni has ended his loan spell with Olympique Marseille early after making just four appearances.

This is because he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in October 2024 and is not expected back on the field until July, so remaining in France was considered futile.

The Argentina international has three senior caps and turns 20 next month.

Carboni and Kovalenko back to base

Viktor Kovalenko Empoli

Meanwhile, Empoli announced that they have signed Ukraine international creative midfielder Kovalenko as a free agent.

He had been out of contract since the deal with Atalanta was terminated by mutual consent in August 2024.

This is a return to Empoli for the player, who turns 29 later this month, as he had already played at the Stadio Castellani on loan from Atalanta in 2023-24.

During that period, he scored two goals and provided one assist in 17 appearances.