Oaktree Expresses Interest in Inter: Rejects Zhang’s Counteroffer

The future of Inter Milan hangs in the balance as Suning and the Zhang family face challenges in retaining ownership beyond May 20th. By that date, they must repay a loan exceeding 350 million euros (275 million plus interest) to Oaktree. According to reports from Corriere dello Sport (via calciomercato), the American fund is hesitant about the proposal presented by the Nerazzurri president and is now considering taking control of the club for the first time, potentially redeeming the package of shares pledged by the Nanchino group.

Corriere dello Sport reveals that Steven Zhang had offered Oaktree an immediate settlement of the accumulated interest until the deadline, approximately 100 million euros, calculated at 12% annually on the 275 million obtained in May 2021. In exchange, he requested an extension of the repayment deadline to 2026 or 2027, with an increased interest rate of 16%, adding around 45 million euros annually. Faced with resistance from the American fund in recent days, the Nerazzurri president even expressed willingness to raise the interest rate further to 20%, committing to nearly 60 million euros annually.

This move stemmed from Suning’s belief that, without a ready buyer, Oaktree would prefer additional time regardless. However, the response was negative. The fund now fears that continuing with this management approach could lower the club’s value, further complicating the chances of finding an investor willing not only to take over Inter but also to pay off Zhang’s debt.

Oaktree is seriously considering taking charge of the club, intervening in finances and management to make it more attractive, with the aim of quickly putting it on the market. Nothing is finalized, and the scenario could still change dramatically: two months remain until the loan repayment deadline (May 20th), and given that it is a refinancing, the operation could be concluded in a short timeframe.