Udinese’s technical director Gianluca Nani has acknowledged Inter Milan’s interest in Jaka Bijol, the Slovenian central defender who has been on the radar of Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio for months. Speaking at the club’s Christmas dinner, Nani stated, “If a player like him wasn’t among Inter’s desires, I would have been surprised. However, this doesn’t mean he’ll go there. He’s a strong player that Inter likes, but there’s no negotiation. Bijol himself knows that if he wants to play for a big club, he needs to perform well with us.”
Now in his third consecutive Serie A season, having amassed 73 appearances and 4 goals for Udinese, Bijol is poised to be a hot topic in the upcoming summer transfer market, especially for clubs seeking a central defender. Inter, dealing with internal contract situations and aging players, has been working to find a player who can fill the potential void left by De Vrij and Acerbi in both the immediate and long-term future.
The new policy implemented by Oaktree has welcomed the management of prospects like Bisseck, who after a season of apprenticeship, is now a credible alternative in Inzaghi’s rotations. This approach aligns with their intentions for future acquisitions.
Bijol’s profile fits into Inter’s considerations as a player who has been repeatedly scouted and observed. His strengths lie in his physical presence and aerial ability, though he may lack some speed in one-on-one situations. Inter is evaluating a potential investment under the right economic conditions, considering Bijol’s contract with Udinese runs until 2027 and past rumors linking him to Fiorentina and Napoli. Currently, his market value is estimated at around 15 million euros.
