Inter Working More for the Future Than for the Present | OneFootball

Despite Francesco Acerbi missing extended time, Inter aren’t in a rush to add a new defender and are laying the foundation for some summer additions rather than January ones. They have set sights on a Bologna pair to touch up the rearguard: Sam Beukema and Jhon Lucumi, Sky reports.

The two teamed up regularly following the departure of Riccardo Calafiori and have been rock-solid. Both hinted at their desire to join a top team eventually in recent months. The Felsinei paid €8M to acquire the Dutchman from AZ Alkmaar in July of 2023- He has quickly become indispensable under Thiago Motta, confirming his value with Vicenzo Italiano at the helm.

Lucumi joined the Felsinei a year earlier than Beukema and has had a less straightforward trajectory, but he has grown a lot in the past two seasons, drawing the attention of Inter and other major sides. Both are 26. The Colombian has 18 months on his contract, while his teammate more than two years.

The Nerazzurri continue to keep tabs on Nico Paz. Como manager Cesc Fabregas recently stated that they wouldn’t sell him for even €50M as they plotted to keep him for years to come. On the other hand, Real Madrid could always buy him back and send him elsewhere if they wished to.

Our Take on Inter, Beukema, Lucumi, and Nico Paz

The Dutchman would probably even go up a level in a three-man defense as he’s a great ball handler, while his partner in crime is a more traditional rugged defender and might not be a great fit in that role. He’s more likely to leave, though. They might be wasting their time with the Argentine starlet, as Real Madrid won’t relinquish their hold over him.