With Ange-Yoan Bonny set to join Inter and Francesco Pio’s Esposito showing excellent progress at the Club World Cup, the Nerazzurri are likely to walk away from a deal to sign Rasmus Hojlund, according to reports in Italy.
Inter are planning to sign two strikers in the 2025 summer transfer window, and one of their new purchases is nearly complete, as the Serie A giants are set to sign Parma forward Bonny for approximately €23m.
Inter likely to drop Hojlund
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BILBAO, SPAIN – MAY 21: Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Destiny Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Manchester United striker Hojlund had emerged as a potential second reinforcement in attack for Inter, but the latest updates from Italy suggest the Nerazzurri are no longer expected to pursue a deal for the ex-Atalanta ace.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 13: Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Manchester United and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Old Trafford on March 13, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Italian sports papers Gazzetta, Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport, in fact, claim that Pio Esposito’s solid performance against River Plate at the Club World Cup has convinced Inter to keep the 19-year-old at the Stadio Meazza for the 2025-26 campaign.
Esposito scored on his full Inter debut against River Plate earlier this week, contributing to the Nerazzurri’s 2-0 win.
Esposito reaction to first Inter goal
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 25: Francesco Esposito #94 of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Petar Sucic #8 and Lautaro Martinez #10 during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and CA River Plate at Lumen Field on June 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
A product of the club academy, Esposito has returned to Inter after a two-year loan spell at Spezia in Serie B, where he netted 22 times in 79 appearances.
“I can say it’s the most emotional day of my life, in football and in general,” Esposito said after scoring against River.
“When, the day before the game, I realised I would be starting, I imagined so many plays in my dreams. I’ve often dreamed about how my first goal as an Inter player might happen.”
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Inter’s shifting focus reflects a broader strategy: investing in youth and integrating promising talents from their academy. While Hojlund’s potential is undeniable, Esposito’s emergence offers a cost-effective, homegrown solution. This approach aligns with the club’s financial strategy and its commitment to developing young players.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 25: Francesco Esposito #94 of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with petar Sucic #8 and Lautaro Martinez #10 during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and CA River Plate at Lumen Field on June 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
A product of the club academy, Esposito has returned to Inter after a two-year loan spell at Spezia in Serie B, where he netted 22 times in 79 appearances.
Key Player Comparison: Esposito vs. Hojlund
| Statistic | Francesco Esposito | Rasmus Hojlund |
|---|---|---|
| Club Affiliation | Inter Milan | Manchester United |
| League | Serie B (on loan) / serie A | Premier League |
| Goals (Spezia Loan) | 22 goals in 79 appearances | N/A (prior to potential transfer at the time of this report) |
| Potential Cost | Homegrown Talent, Low Cost | Significant Transfer Fee |
| Playing Style | Agile, clinical finisher | Powerful, direct, physical |
Esposito’s performance isn’t just attracting attention; it’s also adding value to Inter’s squad. The young striker’s contract situation is favorable for the club,and the potential financial savings from forgoing a costly signing like Hojlund allows Inter to allocate resources more strategically,perhaps focusing on other areas of need or other emerging talents.
But will Inter’s gamble on youth pay off? Only time will tell, but Esposito’s early promise and the club’s clear strategy suggest a positive outlook for the future. This approach also highlights the evolving dynamics of modern football, where clubs are increasingly prioritizing the progress of their own talent.
