Cristian Chivu is set to be rewarded with a contract extension and a significant pay rise by Inter Milan following his Serie A title triumph, according to reports in Italy. The Romanian manager, who succeeded Simone Inzaghi last summer, will see his current deal, which runs until 2027, extended by an additional year until 2028. His salary is expected to rise from 2.5 million euros to at least 4 million euros annually as recognition for his work in securing the club's first Scudetto under his leadership.
The new agreement represents a vote of confidence in Chivu after a challenging first year in charge. He took over a squad in need of rebuilding following a difficult period at the end of the previous season and successfully restored stability while building on the foundations laid by Inzaghi. While the club's Champions League campaign was a disappointment, the league title, described as far from a foregone conclusion last August, has cemented his position. Chivu now has the opportunity to further imprint his philosophy on the team as he aims for a historic double in the Coppa Italia final on May 13th.
Looking ahead, the club's owners, Oaktree Capital, are prepared to back Chivu in the transfer market with a reported budget of at least 40 million euros, plus funds generated from player sales. In recent comments, Chivu outlined a vision for a more modern, dynamic, and intense Inter, stating that the era of winning leagues solely with the best defence is over. He emphasized the need for the team to adapt to a faster, more vertical style of football, indicating a potential shift in the club's transfer strategy.
This strategic shift will guide Inter's summer recruitment. While the attacking department, with its four forwards, is considered settled, significant changes are anticipated in other areas, including goal, defence, the flanks, and midfield. Key targets have been identified to add physicality, speed, and one-on-one defensive prowess. The club is reportedly monitoring defenders such as Strahinja Pavlovic of RB Salzburg and Castello Lukeba of Lyon, who fit the desired profile.
In midfield, the primary objective remains Roma's Manu Koné, with Liverpool's Curtis Jones also admired. The return of academy product Aleksandar Stankovic will add a box-to-box presence, while the search continues for an unpredictable, dribbling winger in the mould of Ademola Lookman. Moussa Diaby of Al-Ittihad, a previous target, remains of interest, though Real Madrid's Nico Paz is described as the ultimate dream signing for the club.
The future of several key players with expiring contracts, including Yann Sommer, Matteo Darmian, Francesco Acerbi, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, will also need to be resolved, with decisions likely influenced by the broader budget for new signings. Furthermore, high-profile sales, such as a potential move for Alessandro Bastoni to Barcelona, could significantly increase the war chest available to Chivu and sporting directors Giuseppe Marotta, Piero Ausilio, and Dario Baccin as they aim to build a more European-ready Inter.
