Inter Milan face decision on Benjamin Pavard's future as loan spell ends
Inter Milan are assessing the future of defender Benjamin Pavard, whose season-long loan at Olympique de Marseille is set to conclude. According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the French international's situation is described as being 'in the balance', with the Italian club yet to decide whether to reintegrate him or seek a permanent transfer. Pavard moved to Marseille last summer after a single season with Inter, where he made 21 Serie A appearances.
The 30-year-old's time in France has been hampered by a significant long-term injury, limiting his impact at the Stade Vélodrome. This has complicated Inter's planning, as they must evaluate whether the World Cup winner can return to his previous level and contribute to Simone Inzaghi's squad. Pavard's original move to Inter in 2023 from Bayern Munich was seen as a major coup, bringing versatility to play as both a right-back and a central defender.
Pavard is one of seven Inter players currently out on loan, a group the Italian press has labelled the club's 'loan exchange'. The report outlines varying fortunes for the other loanees. Midfielder Kristjan Asllani, at Besiktas, and young striker Franco Carboni, at Parma, are reportedly performing well and strengthening their cases. In contrast, the season of young midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro at Pisa is described as having spiralled negatively.
Perhaps the most notable success story is that of attacking midfielder Valentin Carboni. The 20-year-old Argentine, on loan at Racing Club in his homeland, is said to be 'flying' with his performances, confirming the high regard in which he is held by the Nerazzurri hierarchy. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Alessandro Massolin, at Modena, is viewed as a useful 'wild card' for the future given the need for homegrown players in Serie A squad lists.
For Inter, the decisions on these returning loanees will be crucial for both squad planning and financial balance. Players like Pavard represent a significant asset, and a permanent sale could provide fresh funds for the club's coffers. The management's evaluations in the coming months will determine which players are part of the project moving forward and which are deemed surplus to requirements.
The club faces a delicate calculation with Pavard: determining if his experience and quality outweigh the concerns from an injury-disrupted season and his substantial wages. His potential return would add depth to a defensive unit that has performed solidly this campaign, but a sale would free up resources for other targets. The final choice will be a clear signal of Inter's strategy for the upcoming transfer window.
