Inter Seized Chance with Pavard for Akanji Switcheroo | OneFootball

Inter swapped out Benjamin Pavard for Manuel Akanji on deadline day, but the former’s departure had been in the works for a while. The Nerazzurri felt that he was no longer devoted to the cause and wanted to return to France, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs. They preferred offloading him over Yann Aurel Bisseck mostly due to their ages.

After numerous clubs tried during the summer, Olympique Marseille won the race because the Serie A giants found a replacement without breaking the bank.

Both Pavard and Akanji switched sides on initial loans with €15/16M options to buy, which will turn into an obligation if Inter win the Scudetto. Olympique Marseille are paying a higher initial fee, €2.5M against €1M.

The two players have comparable salaries, but the Nerazzurri will spend more in more taxes. In the Frenchman’s case, they took advantage of the Decreto Crescita, which has been abolished. They’ll shell out €8M gross for the Swiss talisman. They are long-time admirers as they were plotting to add him on a free from Borussia Dortmund a few years back, but Manchester City beat them to the punch and purchased him without waiting for his contract to expire.

Milan had kicked the tires too, but the center-back wanted to play in the Champions League. The brass and coaching staff believe they have added versatility. The newcomer is familiar with a four-man line and that can replace Francesco Acerbi and Stefan De Vrij too.

Our Take on Inter, Pavard, and Akanji

The former’s exit makes sense only if he asked for it directly. Even in that case, they should have acted way sooner, found a much better deal, and seized the chance to acquire a younger player.