Benjamin Pavard’s tenure with Inter Milan is effectively over, with the French defender expected to return to the club this summer only to be immediately moved on. This decision follows a disappointing loan spell at Marseille and an irreconcilable falling out within the Inter dressing room.
According to reports from Tuttosport, via FCInter1908, Marseille will not be activating their €15 million purchase option for Pavard. Consequently, the player is set to return to Inter with two years remaining on his contract, which reportedly earns him €5 million per season – a wage that presents a challenge for finding a new club.
Inter Milan has already communicated to Pavard that his future does not lie with the club in Milan.
Controversial Padel Photo with Theo Hernandez Marked a Turning Point for Pavard at Inter
The breakdown in Pavard’s relationship with Inter reportedly began during the Club World Cup. While sidelined with an ankle injury, photos emerged of him playing padel alongside Theo Hernandez, who was then with rivals AC Milan, during Inter’s participation in the tournament.
The public perception of these images was detrimental, and the reaction from his teammates was immediate. This rift within the squad preceded a formal estrangement from the club. Although Pavard started Inter’s opening Serie A match of the season against Torino, his departure was already foreshadowed.
He was subsequently loaned to Marseille, where his performances failed to impress. Inter has since moved forward without him, securing considerable success by signing Manuel Akanji to replace him.
Pavard is slated to return to Inter’s training ground, Appiano Gentile, this summer, but this will be a temporary arrangement as the club seeks to find him a new destination. His time at Inter Milan is definitively concluded.
English Translation:
Benjamin Pavard’s time at Inter Milan is over, with the French defender set to return to the club this summer only to be moved on immediately after a disappointing loan spell at Marseille and a falling out with the dressing room that proved impossible to repair.
According to Tuttosport, via FCInter1908, Marseille will not exercise their €15 million purchase option, meaning Pavard returns to Inter with two years remaining on a €5 million per season contract, a wage that makes him a difficult sell.
Inter have already made clear to the player that a continuation in Milan is not part of their plans.
Padel photo with Theo Hernandez proved the point of no return for Pavard at Inter
The breakdown began during the Club World Cup, when Pavard was sidelined with an ankle injury. Photos emerged of him playing padel alongside Theo Hernandez, then of Milan, while Inter were competing in the tournament.
The optics were damaging and the dressing room reaction was swift. The rift with teammates preceded a formal falling out with the club, and although Pavard started the opening Serie A fixture of the season against Torino, the writing was already on the wall.
He was subsequently loaned to Marseille, where he failed to convince, and Inter moved on without him, signing Akanji in his place to considerable success.
Pavard will return to Appiano Gentile this summer, but only as a temporary arrangement while a new destination is found. His Inter chapter is closed permanently.
