Conte on Inter signings: I want nobody in January

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Inter head coach Antonio Conte has suggested that the club will not be active in the January transfer market, saying there is “nobody” he is targetting.

Like most other clubs in Europe, Inter’s finances have been drastically impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, with income down significantly due to the lack of matchday revenue.

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In the summer, they still managed to make one big signing, with Achraf Hakimi arriving from Real Madrid for a fee of around £36m [€40m].

In the January transfer window a year ago, Inter brought in Christian Eriksen from Spurs for £24m, but Conte says the fans shouldn’t expect any deals like this winter window.

‘The verb “want” does not exist this season,’ the former Chelsea boss said when asked if there was any player he wants to sign in January.

“In August I was informed about the club’s strategies. We signed Hakimi in April and nobody else arrived afterwards.

“The strategy is clear. I want nobody. I work with these players. We have strengths and weaknesses, but that’s who we are. 

“Forget the Inter of the last transfer window, that’s what I was told.”

Over the last couple of seasons Inter have been one of the most free spending teams in Europe, with Romelu Lukaku being signed for nearly £70m, while Nicolo Barella and Stefano Sensi’s loan deals were made permanent from Cagliari and Sassuolo respectively for a combined outlay of over £43m.

Though Inter have been knocked out of Europe already, they are enjoying a good season domestically as they are currently second in Serie A, three points adrift of Milan in top spot following their 2-2 draw against Roma at the weekend.

In terms of outgoings, some are expected at San Siro in January, with both Eriksen and Radja Nainggolan two of the players likely to be shown the door.