Inter Milan are set to exercise a buy-back clause to re-sign midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic from Club Brugge this summer, according to reports from Italy. The 19-year-old Serbian, currently on loan at the Belgian club, will return to Milan for a fee of 23 million euros, with the club opting to activate the clause a year early to avoid a higher price in 2026.
Stankovic, the son of former Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic, joined Brugge last summer in a deal that generated approximately 10 million euros in capital gains for Inter. A clause was inserted allowing the Serie A champions to re-purchase the player for 23 million euros in 2026 or 25 million euros in 2027. Italian media now report the club has decided to move swiftly, securing his return in the upcoming transfer window.
The young midfielder has enjoyed a highly productive season in Belgium, scoring nine goals from a deep-lying midfield role and cementing his status as one of Europe's promising talents. His form has attracted significant interest from other major clubs, with Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and Newcastle United all reportedly monitoring his situation closely. This external interest could present Inter with a decision to make upon his return.
According to the reports, Inter's immediate plan is to reintegrate Stankovic into the first-team environment, with coach Simone Inzaghi and his staff, including assistant manager Cristian Chivu, keen to assess him closely. Chivu previously coached the player in Inter's youth academy alongside striker Pio Esposito and is said to be a strong admirer of his characteristics and mentality. The club's hierarchy, under owners Oaktree Capital, intends to evaluate him thoroughly before making any definitive long-term plans.
The financial dynamics of any potential subsequent sale are clear. Having paid 23 million euros to Brugge, Inter would stand to make a significant profit if they were to receive an offer in the region of 30-35 million euros from another suitor. Such a scenario is not being ruled out, given the level of external interest, though no decision has been made. For now, the primary objective is to bring the academy product back to the club.
Stankovic's return adds to Inter's growing core of young talent and provides midfield depth for the future. His development in a competitive European league suggests he could challenge for a first-team role immediately. The move underscores Inter's strategy of leveraging sell-on clauses to retain control over their most promising exported talents, ensuring they do not miss out on a player whose value has risen sharply during his time away.
