What has transfer spending yielded Milan and Inter?

Over the past few seasons, both Milan clubs have fallen on hard times. However, with the money injection into AC Milan last summer and Inter Milan currently occupying a Champions League position under the guidance of Luciano Spalletti; it’s time to take a look at the current state of both clubs ahead of Wednesday’s derby as both look to regain their seat atop of Serie A.

The State of AC Milan

Beginning with rival Milan who went on a splurge last summer, reportedly spending €230m to overhauled their starting XI. Nonetheless, their spending hasn’t led to a consistent winning squad on the pitch as some of the signings have struggled.

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With the amount of spending done, came heightened expectations that Vincenzo Montella couldn’t deliver which led to his sacking in November. Now with Gennaro Gattuso at the helm, Milan are making a late-season surge as they’re eight points out of the last Champions League spot; however, it appears it’s too little, too late as they had to hop over three teams for the CL spot.

The coaching isn’t the only issue for the club as one of their significant signings has not performed up to their expectations. Andre Silva came in to become a part of a new era for Milan as they were looking to regain their past form. However, their new number nine hasn’t lived up to expectations, and in 19 Serie A appearances the Portuguese international only has two goals; not what Milan envisioned when they spent €38m to bring him over from FC Porto.

One of their more exciting acquisitions Milan made over the summer has turned into a disaster thus far. Furthermore, with the emergence of Patrick Cutrone, Silva’s playing time on the pitch is decreasing which is fueling rumors of an exit after one season. If Silva cannot turn his play around, then it appears as though Milan will have buyers remorse as they face yet another setback in their project.

Finally, on the financial side of the game, Milan are in a head-scratching situation. Yes, they recently were sold to Chinese businessman Li Yonghong which led to an inflation in their transfer budget. Nonetheless, many reports are have come out raising questions over the financial sustainability under their Chinese owner. A Summer of splurging can come back to haunt the club and could lead to a summer of sales as a result of their financial situation.

After Silvio Berlusconi sold the club last year, it appeared as though AC Milan were heading in the right direction. Now with more of the financial circumstances coming out, ownership could remain an issue as their dream of a return to glory can quickly become a nightmare soon.

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The State of Inter Milan

While expectations were high for Milan, Inter, on the hand, didn’t have these dreams of returning to past glory. With a new manager in Luciano Spalletti, the expectations were low since last season ended with supporters walking out on the club. Despite their off the pitch issues with fans and low expectations, Inter got off to a surprising start, and although they hit a rough patch, they still find themselves in a CL position.

Luciano Spalletti has pressed all the right buttons to get this squad to overachieve due to all their warts. The team has received contributions from their critical offensive catalysts in Mauro Icardi and Ivan Perisic. Furthermore, Inter didn’t have an outrageous budget but did spend wisely this summer and as a result, have found a gem in Milan Škriniar.

Škriniar is a core piece going forward and is the prime example of how Inter has gone about their business when it comes to potential transfer targets. After crashing and burning on the Joao Mario and Gabriel Barbosa signings, the club has become more cautious about their spending, which has emphasized smart spending and getting the most of out of their budget.

It all began with the signing of the 23-year-old Slovakian, then in the Winter window, they brought in Yann Karamoh, who made a good impression in his debut and could become an intriguing part of the attack next season as the squad looks to get younger. With limited funds, Inter has gone through the loan route to try and improve their team. Joao Cancelo and Rafinha are two prime examples of the Nerazzurri adding significant pieces.

The wise spending seems as though it will continue in the summer with the rumors of Lautaro Martinez and Stefan de Vrij coming to the San Siro grow louder. Potentially landing one of the hottest prospects in South America along with one of the best center-backs in Serie A on a free transfer; Inter is looking like a club on the rise.

Although supporters have had their issues with Sunning, they appear as though they’re guiding the club in the right direction. Off the pitch, ownership is paying off all their debts and as a result, have secured a bond which will provide a cash infusion of €82M. If Inter can capture one of the four CL spots, along with this bond, the club could kickstart a return to the top once again.

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