Inter Milan and Club Brugge Deadlocked Over Aleksandar Stankovic Buyback Clause in €10m Transfer Talks

Inter Milan, Club Brugge, and a €5 Million Stumbling Block

The summer transfer market always brings plenty of twists, but the drawn-out saga of Aleksandar Stankovic between Inter Milan and Club Brugge is turning into a classic standoff. At just 19, Stankovic has become the name on everyone’s lips—especially with the Belgian side pushing for a €10 million deal that could redraw their midfield plans. Inter and Club Brugge were initially thought to be on the same page, both seeing the young Serbian as worth the price tag, but it’s the proposed buyback clause that’s put everything on ice.

Club Brugge is holding firm, demanding any buyback option be set at €30 million. On the other side, Inter Milan refuses to budge past €25 million. It may not sound like a huge difference in the world of top-tier football finances, but that €5 million gap has been enough to stall talks for weeks. Both clubs have reason to dig their heels in: Brugge want assurance they’ll profit if Stankovic explodes onto the scene; Inter want control if their homegrown star fulfills the promise he’s shown abroad. This impasse could drag on and open the door for other suitors—especially Sassuolo.

Sassuolo Circling as Negotiations Drag

With Club Brugge hesitating, Sassuolo—the newly promoted Serie A side—may sense a chance to pounce. They’ve reportedly registered interest and could swoop in if the two sides can’t settle their difference soon, possibly luring Stankovic with the promise of more minutes and a spotlight in Italy. Meanwhile, Bundesliga club Hamburger SV is lurking in the background, monitoring every twist and turn, hoping for a late opportunity.

Stankovic’s appeal isn’t hard to see. He comes with the confidence of a breakout year on loan at Lugano, and his football bloodline—being the son of Inter icon Dejan Stankovic—only adds excitement around his name. Lugano were quick to take up their €1.5 million option on Stankovic after his loan ended, but Inter swiftly exercised their own buyback right to retain control.

Inter’s transfer plans go beyond simple numbers. Selling Stankovic for €10 million could fund much-needed signings in their back line. That’s a pressing need if Inter wants to challenge at the top, especially with defensive depth being tested more than ever. Brugge, meanwhile, are targeting Stankovic as a replacement for Ardon Jashari, who looks set for an AC Milan switch. The puzzle pieces could fit perfectly—if only the two sides could finally shake hands on the buyback deal.

For now, the €5 million question hangs in the air: who will blink first? With more clubs ready to dive in if talks break down, Stankovic’s future remains just as unpredictable as the negotiations themselves.