Benjamin Pavard will return to Inter Milan after Olympique de Marseille opted not to exercise their purchase option following his loan spell, according to reports in Italy. The French defender, who joined Marseille on loan for the 2023-24 season, confirmed his departure via a social media post, thanking the club and its supporters. Marseille finished fifth in Ligue 1, and will not be triggering the €15 million clause to make the move permanent.
Pavard initially joined Inter in August 2023 and amassed 70 appearances for the Nerazzurri, scoring one goal and providing four assists. The club confirmed his return to the squad for the upcoming season. His time at Inter followed a successful period with Bayern Munich, where he won four Bundesliga titles, a Champions League, and a Club World Cup.
The 1996-born defender has a decorated career, including a World Cup triumph with France in 2018 and a Nations League title in 2021, earning 55 caps and scoring five goals for his country. He has proven himself as a versatile player, capable of featuring at both centre-back and right-back, a quality that made him a valuable asset for both Inter and Marseille.
Pavard’s return to Inter provides coach Simone Inzaghi with additional defensive depth ahead of the new Serie A campaign. The move allows Inter to retain a proven player within their squad, avoiding the need to seek a replacement in the transfer market, and potentially offering Pavard the opportunity to further contribute to the club’s success.
