Alexis Sanchez will be moving permanently to Inter Milan and that has been all but confirmed by the current coach of his former club.
He is currently on loan with the Milan outfit but will not be returning to his parent club at the end of the season.
The two clubs have been in negotiations for several weeks and finally reached an agreement on Wednesday. It’s unclear if United have handed Sanchez a pay-off to cancel his contract and take a pay cut at Inter.
Speaking after his side’s progression into the Europa League quarter-final last night, Solskjaer said:
“We’ll announce it tomorrow [Thursday]. He’s agreed and we’ve agreed. He enjoyed his time there and they’ve liked him. He’s a top player who we want to see playing his best football. We didn’t see the best of him for whatever reason. He’s a top professional, now we just wish him all the best.”
Inter Milan’s CEO Giuseppe Marotta has also confirmed the impending transfer while speaking to Sky Sports Italia.
They also progressed to the latter stages of the competition and could well face Manchester United which would set up a crunch clash for the Chilean. He would certainly be looking to get one over his former employers.
An end to his time in England
Sanchez moved to Arsenal from Barcelona after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He went on to score 80 goals in 166 games for the Gunners over the next three-and-a-half seasons and was one of the league’s best players at that time. In January of 2018, Manchester United and Manchester City both showed interest in him but he ended up moving to Old Trafford. However, he failed to replicate the form which convinced United to sign him initially in the first place. A return of five goals in 45 games highlighted how unproductive he was. A loan move to Inter Milan provided an escape route for him and he has since kicked on from there.
Financial ramifications for the Red Devils
Sanchez’s departure frees up Manchester United’s wage bill massively in anticipation of the arrival of Jadon Sancho. United had been paying a major share of his huge wages even while he was out on loan but will no more be burdened with doing that. It could also pave room for the awarding of new contracts to key players such as Paul Pogba.
Alexis Sanchez has moved on officially to Inter Milan after both sides were able to reach a deal that includes a pay-off.
A statement from Man United read: “Everyone at Manchester United wishes Alexis Sanchez all the best in his future career as he joins Inter Milan on a permanent transfer.”
