Inter signed Tajon Buchanan in January once Juan Cuadrado went down with a major injury, but he wasn’t the only option on their radar, as they were and remain keen on Yukinari Sugawara. They will need to intervene again in the same position if Denzel Dumfries doesn’t extend his contract, Calciomercato informed.
The Nerazzurri found it easier to sign the Canadian talent in the last window. The 23-year-old has been a centerpiece for the Dutch team for a few years. He initially joined on loan in 2019 and was signed permanently the following year. The defender has racked up 189 appearances, 36 of which in the European cups, scoring 11 goals and providing 27 assists.
Inter would need to pay €10/15M if they wished to onboard Sugawara. He has a favorable contractual situation since he’s tied to AZ only until 2025. West Ham, Liverpool, and Sporting CP are reportedly interested in him as well.
The Nerazzurri will let Cuadrado leave at the end of his short-term deal. Whether or not they’ll require another man will hinge exclusively on Dumfries.
Our Take on Inter and Sugawara
They could have a hole in his role, but the talks with the Dutchman are in progress, so everything is still up in the air. While he’s more experienced than Buchanan, they’ll likely target somebody with a higher profile if they lose their current wingback. Or they’ll sign a quality left-footed center-back, moving Matteo Darmian permanently to such a role.
More must-reads: