Kyriani Sabbe assesses former Club Brugge teammate Aleksandar Stankovic at Inter Milan

Aleksandar Stankovic has experienced a stark reversal of fortune following his high-profile transfer from Club Brugge to Inter Milan, logging just 44 minutes across three substitute appearances in Serie A this season, according to reports published by RTBF.

The Rise at Breydel and the 23 Million Euro Return to San Siro

The 20-year-old Serbian midfielder arrived in Flanders during the summer of 2025 and quickly established himself as a central figure in Club Brugge’s domestic and European campaigns. Over 55 appearances, he contributed nine goals and five assists, earning a reputation for physical volume, shooting range, technical security, and on-field presence. His performances in the Belgian Pro League culminated in him winning the Young Professional of the Season award. That trajectory persuaded Inter Milan to exercise their option to repatriate the academy product to San Siro for a reported fee of 23 million euros ahead of the current campaign.

Tactical Hurdles and Intense Midfield Competition in Milan

Since returning to Italy, however, Stankovic has struggled to break into Simone Inzaghi’s matchday selections, finding regular playing time blocked by established veterans and a rigid tactical setup. Teammates and observers in Belgium have monitored his difficult transition from afar. Kyriani Sabbe, the Club Brugge right-back, noted that he remains in touch with his former colleague via mutual contacts.

“I don’t know why he plays so little: undoubtedly the system in place at Inter and especially the enormous competition he faces in the midfield,” Sabbe told RTBF. “It’s a pity for him; I hope the wheel turns for him, because Ale is an enormous player. He’s also a very nice guy who always brought atmosphere to the locker room.”

Locker Room Presence and Off-Pitch Talents

Beyond his on-field contributions during his stint in Belgium, Stankovic left a distinct impression on the Club Brugge squad through his personality and alternative athletic pursuits. Sabbe highlighted the midfielder’s competitive edge away from the football pitch, referencing frequent shooting contests held inside the club’s gymnasium.

“If his situation doesn’t improve, he can always retrain in basketball!” Sabbe joked in his interview with RTBF. “Ale is very gifted at basketball: I’ve lost count of the little free-throw contests we did against each other in our gym.”

Upcoming Fixtures and Squad Outlook

Inter Milan returns to Serie A competition amid a demanding fixture list that tests the depth of the Nerazzurri squad. While the club manages commitments across domestic and European tournaments, the coaching staff’s reliance on a settled central midfield pairing leaves limited room for rotation, keeping Stankovic’s immediate path to regular first-team minutes constrained as the winter schedule approaches.