Inter bolster midfield ranks with Asllani from Empoli

Inter have completed the signing of Kristjan Asllani on loan from Empoli with an obligation to buy.

The 20-year-old has signed a contract until June 2027 and will cost Inter €14million, with €4m of that identified as the fee for the initial loan.

A central midfielder, Asllani came through Empoli’s youth system and enjoyed a breakout season in 2021-22, featuring 23 times in Serie A as the Tuscans comfortably avoided relegation.

He scored his only goal of the season in a 4-2 defeat to Inter on May 6.

 = Kristjan Asllani #ForzaInter #WelcomeKristjan pic.twitter.com/fhZRNHtK3p

— Inter (@Inter) June 30, 2022

While the youngster is unlikely to be a regular starter initially – rather a back-up to Marcelo Brozovic – he will bolster Inter’s midfield following the departure of Matias Vecino and expected exit of Stefano Sensi.

Asllani was present at the club on Wednesday, when Romelu Lukaku completed his loan return from Chelsea, and the Belgium striker was central to a slightly bizarre announcement video.

⁰Let me introduce:
Class of 2002, midfielder… Kristjan Asllani #ForzaInter #WelcomeKristjan pic.twitter.com/8bNeDuRCEY

— Inter (@Inter) June 30, 2022

Speaking to club owner Steven Zhang in the clip, Lukaku said: “I spoke to this guy, the new guy, Asllani… I like his mentality. You’ll be surprised. He’s only 20, but he speaks like a 27-year-old.”

As part of the deal, promising Uruguayan striker Martin Satriano is expected to join Empoli on loan for the upcoming season.