Plans have already been set in motion to lure Cesc Fabregas to Inter Milan, but their desire to bring him in ready for this month’s Club World Cup may hit a stumbling block.
Negotiations Begin to Bring Cesc Fabregas to Inter Milan
Inter Milan are scrambling to re-establish some semblance of calm, amid a tumultuous week.
Not long after the most lopsided Champions League scoreline of all-time, the cornerstone of everything positive that has occurred at Inter in recent years — Simone Inzaghi — announced his departure.
Swayed by a three-year $105 million contract at Al-Hilal, Inzaghi leaves behind an enduring legacy, but also a gaping hole that Inter must now attempt to fill.
The requirements for the Inter job are different than most teams pushing for domestic and European titles. Where teams at the very top are typically sitting on a bed of cash, the Nerrazzuri often tread carefully in the transfer window.
Inzaghi was masterful at squeezing every last ounce out of throwaway players, reigniting the careers of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Francesco Acerbi, to name a few.
His replacement must be cut from the same cloth, which is likely why Inter have entered into talks with Cesc Fabregas.
The 38-year-old has been a transformative figure since arriving at Como’s U19 side in 2023, and has since worked his way up to head coach as the club earned promotion to the top-flight for the first time in over two decades in 2024.
He guided them to a 10th-placed finish in their first season back, all the while making do with a mix of golden oldies and budding young hopefuls.
Como stakeholder Thierry Henry recently admitted it would be a battle to keep Fabregas, amid interest from Roma, but Inter’s sudden vacancy may make that endeavour even tougher.
The club are pushing to open up a dialogue with Fabregas as soon as possible, with Inter’s sporting director Piero Ausilio reportedly due to meet him in London.
Como president Mirwan Suwarso has poured water on the rumours, however, public stating: “We have a long term project and Cesc Fabregas is a crucial part of it. He won’t leave the club.”
Inter are moving with haste in order to install a new man in the dugout in time for the Club World Cup, which begins in less than a fortnight.
Cesc Fabregas Does Not Have a UEFA Pro License
Cesc Fabregas’ quick transition from player to manager at Como came with the promise that he would be able to obtain the necessary qualifications, whilst working with the youth development teams.
He obtained a UEFA A coaching license in 2023, but is yet to complete his UEFA Pro license.
That could pose a problem for Inter’s accelerated talks. The Catalan must complete the course, which takes place in Coverciano in Florence, to obtain the license — this would likely clash with Inter’s trip to the Club World Cup.
Completing negotiations, contract proposals and announcements, as well as a UEFA Pro License course in less than two weeks is a tall order, even if Inter are as eager as they seem.
Fabregas operated on a season-long exemption during his first top-flight season as a manager, but Inter will have to come to a similar arrangement, if they are to get the deal done before the Club World Cup start date, slated for June 14.
According to cash out betting sites, Inter have dropped to sixth-favourite to win the new format of the competition.
Fabregas’ Minority Stake in Como Could Also Pose a Problem
It is worth noting that Fabregas is not only Como’s current head coach, but his involvement in the club stretches to the boardroom. Alongside minority stakeholder and former teammate Thierry Henry, Fabregas also has a slice of the pie.
Although it is unclear what problems this could pose in Fabregas’s potential switch to Inter, a clear conflict of interest arises.
Fabregas, as a Como co-owner, could very easily be accused of prioritising his club’s interests over Inter’s, while decisions such as transfers and player development would be scrutinised.
This could prove another stumbling block in Inter’s negotiations. It is likely the two parties would have to reach an agreement with officials, whereby Fabregas either sells his shares, or certain conditions are put in place to manage the conflict.
