Inter may consider terminating defender’s contract before time | OneFootball

Francesco Acerbi’s persistent physical troubles may lead Inter to terminate his contract before its natural end as they seem intent on keeping just one between him and Stefan De Vrij next season.

The 36-year-old defender was Simone Inzaghi’s first-choice as a centre-back on paper, but he’s already missed out on seven games across all competitions due to injury, with the Nerazzurri starting to consider his health as a concern.

With 21-year-old Tomas Palacios needing time to settle in at the San Siro, Acerbi’s multiple injuries are leaving Inzaghi with an only option as a central defender, as De Vrij was forced to play more than expected during these opening months of the season.

Inter to consider Acerbi contract’s termination after repeated injuries

But with De Vrij and Acerbi turning 33 and 37 next year, respectively, Inter look willing to keep just one of them in an attempt to rejuvenate their defence.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Dutch’s recent proof of reliability could push the Nerazzurri to part ways with Acerbi at the end of the season, as they could trigger a clause included in his contract that would allow them to terminate the defender’s current deal one-sidedly.

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 10: Romelu Lukaku of Napoli is challenged by Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 10, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

In that case, however, they should strike a deal to keep De Vrij at the San Siro, as his current deal will expire in June 2025, meaning he’ll be free to sign as a free agent for any other club starting from January.

The coming months will be decisive for Inter to assess whether Acerbi is still fit enough to stay at the club.