Inter face key-player sale if Champions League campaign misses last 16

Inter’s European campaign carries a growing financial risk

Inter’s poor start in the Champions League could have consequences beyond the pitch: a failure to reach the last 16 may leave the club facing the sale of a key player. According to Tuttosport, as reported by Football Italia, owners Oaktree consider qualification for the knockout stage the minimum acceptable outcome.

The concern has intensified after Inter’s 4-3 home defeat to Club Brugge, their second consecutive loss following the opening defeat to Real Madrid. Another route through the play-offs is now a possibility, while the club’s recent accounts underline the financial stakes.

A €63 million drop in UEFA prize money

Inter’s accounts, approved this week, recorded a second consecutive profit. But the club received just under €74 million in UEFA prize money last season, when it was eliminated by Bodø/Glimt. In the previous campaign, when Simone Inzaghi’s side reached the final, the figure was almost €137 million—a difference of around €63 million before matchday income is included.

Reaching the last 16, including through the play-offs, is estimated to bring in €18 million to €20 million. European revenue has helped Inter avoid major player sales over the past two summers; missing out on the knockout stage could make a significant departure harder to avoid.

A demanding schedule still offers a way through

Inter’s remaining fixtures include matches against Shakhtar Donetsk, Feyenoord and Stuttgart, followed by a trip to Borussia Dortmund, a home game against Liverpool and a final away match at Slovan Bratislava. Based on the previous two seasons, 16 points should be enough to secure a top-eight finish.

That benchmark gives Inter a clear target, but their opening results have left little room for further setbacks if they are to protect both their European ambitions and their finances.