Following a series of strong performances in the latter half of the season, Inter Milan has made the decision to sign Nicola Zalewski on a permanent basis. The Polish midfielder has officially become a player for the Nerazzurri. Despite a change in head coach, the club`s strategy remained consistent with the plans long held by executives Marotta and Ausilio. Before finalizing the deal, they consulted with Chivu, who endorsed the player`s retention. Subsequently, the Inter management contacted AS Roma to inform them of their intention to exercise the buy-out option.
To permanently secure Zalewski`s services in Milan, Inter has committed an investment of €6.5 million. This figure is in addition to the €500,000 already paid to Roma last January as a fee for the initial loan spell. Zalewski was nearing an exit from the Giallorossi. Inter initially explored a simple dry loan, but this type of transaction was not feasible under regulations given the player`s contract situation. Consequently, he signed a contract extension with Roma, and eventually, both clubs agreed to include a buy-out clause, which Inter has now activated. The Nerazzurri management has opted to place their trust in the player born in 2003, recognizing his potential to become a versatile asset in the midfield.
Since his arrival at Inter, Zalewski has participated in 17 matches across all competitions this season, including appearances in the Club World Cup. While wearing the Nerazzurri colors, he made his debut in the Champions League and scored one goal in the domestic league against Torino, during the first match where former coach Inzaghi deployed him in an attacking midfield role. Under the new coach Chivu, it remains uncertain where he will primarily play – whether as a wing-back, a role he fulfilled under Mourinho at Roma, as a box-to-box midfielder (mezz`ala), or if he will return to his natural attacking midfield position where he excelled in Roma`s youth academy.
