Despite having very little – or no – resources in the winter mercato, Inter Milan appear to have landed their second player in the window.
Calciomercato.com has reported – citing media in Italy and Spain – that the Nerazzurri have landed FC Barcelona midfielder Rafinha on loan for the remainder of the season.
Fatta #Rafinha all’@Inter @SkySport
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) January 19, 2018
A sticking point to the deal was the terms of the loan. Inter has been told by its majority owners – the Suning Group – there is to be no money spent in January as the team attempts to steer clear of any Financial Fair Play issues come the end of June.
Barcelona officials wanted to send the Brazilian with no option, but Inter officials wanted the option to make the loan permanent, according to Calciomercato.
In the end, the website reported, Inter will have the option to purchase Rafinha for €35 million plus an additional €3 million in add-ons. The Nerazzurri can also send Rafinha back to Barcelona with no fee to pay.
The biggest problem with Rafinha is health. The Brazilian had two knee surgeries last year and has yet to start in a La Liga game this season.
If the reports are correct, it will be the second transfer for Inter after picking up Benfica defender Lisandro Lopez earlier in the week.