Inter Milan are entering a new phase after confirming several high-profile exits. Four experienced members of the squad have left the club as free agents, marking a clear shift in the Nerazzurri’s defensive structure.
Inter begin defensive reset
Inter Milan have officially parted ways with Yann Sommer, Francesco Acerbi, Stefan de Vrij and Matteo Darmian. All four players reached the end of their contracts on 30 June, and the club decided not to extend their stays.
The decision signals a broader squad rebuild. Inter are moving away from several older, proven figures and creating room for younger options ahead of the new season.
Sommer is the most prominent name on the list. The Swiss goalkeeper joined Inter in 2023 as Andre Onana’s replacement and quickly became a reliable presence in goal. He made 139 appearances for the club and kept 66 clean sheets. Despite his age, he is not expected to retire, with Club Brugge reportedly interested in signing him.
De Vrij is also leaving after a long spell at San Siro. The Dutch centre-back arrived from Lazio in 2018 and became one of the most consistent defenders of Inter’s recent era. He ends his time at the club with 296 matches played and is set to continue his career at Panathinaikos.
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Acerbi and Darmian also depart
Francesco Acerbi’s exit is another major loss of experience. The Italian defender joined Inter in 2022 after also previously playing for Lazio. He went on to make 148 appearances and was regularly trusted in important matches.
Matteo Darmian completes the group of departures. The 36-year-old arrived from Parma in 2020 and became a valuable, tactically flexible option across the back line. He played 218 games for Inter, scoring 13 goals and adding 13 assists.
Together, the four players were part of a successful period for the club. Inter won Serie A last season, claiming their 21st league title, and also lifted the Coppa Italia. However, the team’s poor Champions League campaign, ended early by Bodo, increased the feeling that changes were needed.
For Inter, this is not only a farewell to four veterans. It is the start of a structural refresh. The club lose leadership and experience, but gain space to rebuild the defence and lower the average age of the squad.