Udinese Coach Confident Of Keeping Key Defender: ‘Inter Milan Interested, But He Told Me He’ll Stay’ | OneFootball

Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic says that defender Oumar Solet “told me he’ll stay” despite the interest of Inter Milan.

Runjaic addressed the French defender’s situation in a press conference, as reported by FCInterNews.

Inter Milan have been linked with Udinese defender Oumar Solet throughout the transfer window.

Reportedly, the 25-year-old has been at or near the top of the Nerazzurri’s shortlist of targets to replace Benjamin Pavard in the event that the former Bayern Munich defender had left.

However, Pavard has stayed at Inter with just a couple days left to go in the transfer window.

Meanwhile, Inter reportedly want to sign Solet on loan with a purchase option rather than on a permanent deal.

This would be pending the result of an investigation into the Frenchman regarding an alleged sexual assault.

Udinese Coach Runjaic: “Oumar Solet Told Me He Wants To Stay”

VERONA, ITALY – JANUARY 04: Oumar Solet of Udinese Calcio runs with the ball during the Serie A match between Verona and Udinese at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on January 04, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

According to Udinese’s coach Kosta Runjaic, Solet isn’t going anywhere, though.

“Offers have to be satisfactory for everyone,” he said. “But that wasn’t the case here.”

“There’s been talks of Inter’s interest, but I wasn’t involved in that. However, the matter is closed.”

Runjaic stated that “I spoke with Oumar, and he told me he’ll stay and continue with us.”

The Udinese coach called the former Red Bull Salzburg defender “an absolute professional.”

“And we won’t sell him, as with the rest of the players. It’s part of our philosophy that some players are going to leave the club, and others arrive.”

“But then you have have to consider the offer that comes in,” Runjaic said.

“Solet still has a lot of potential that he can show,” the coach argued. “When he does, he’ll become one of the best defenders in Serie A, and everyone will want him.”

The coach said that Solet “is aware of his abilities.”

“And we’ll do everything we can to get him to that level, to make sure that he gets an offer he can’t turn down.”

“He hasn’t reached that level yet,” said Runjaic of Solet. “He’s done well for six months, but he can still improve.”

“We’re all moving forward together. A lot of players here have the talent to join a big team one day, but Solet is staying here.”