Aleksandar Stankovic will remain with Inter for the upcoming season, a decision confirmed by manager Cristian Chivu, according to reports from Italy. The 20-year-old midfielder, son of former Inter player Dejan Stankovic, has been a focus of speculation regarding a potential transfer, but Chivu has indicated he views the young player as a key part of his squad.
Stankovic joined Club Brugge last season where he enjoyed a successful campaign, winning the Belgian league title and being named the Jupiler Pro League’s best young talent. He scored nine goals and provided five assists in 55 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. Prior to his time in Belgium, he played as a regista for Lucerne in Switzerland, a position suggested to him after conversations with Inter’s Federico Dimarco, who previously played in the Swiss league.
Chivu believes that keeping Stankovic at Inter will allow him to continue his development in a familiar environment, participating in the club’s pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Australia. The manager intends to integrate Stankovic into the team gradually, providing opportunities for him to earn playing time in midfield, a position currently with a number of options. This approach mirrors the development path taken by another young Inter player, Pio, last season.
Stankovic has already experienced Champions League football with Brugge, appearing in 14 matches across qualifying, group stage, and playoff rounds. He expressed his gratitude towards Chivu, acknowledging the manager’s significant impact on his career, stating that Chivu taught him a great deal both on and off the pitch. Dejan Stankovic, a hero of Inter’s 2010 treble-winning team, also expressed his joy at his son’s continued presence at the club, describing it as a dream for their family. The player is valued at approximately 40 million euros, but the club has no current plans to sell.
Capable of playing as both a deep-lying playmaker and a box-to-box midfielder, Stankovic offers tactical flexibility. Chivu will aim to utilize his attributes within Inter’s 3-5-2 formation, hoping to nurture his potential and establish him as a regular starter.
