In the 2023-24 season, although Inter missed the Champions League quarterfinals, they are getting closer and closer to the Serie A championship, and are about to win the 20th Serie A title in the club's history, with two stars embroidered on their jerseys. However, Inter's financial problems are imminent - a loan of 375 million euros (equivalent to 2.9 billion yuan) is about to expire.
On May 20, 2021, Inter, which had difficulties in capital turnover, borrowed 275 million euros from Oaktree Capital in the United States, and repaid it after 3 years, with principal and interest, totaling 375 million euros.
On May 20, 2024, Inter is due to pay the loan to Oaktree Capital. On March 23, Roma Sport and Sky Sports Italia pointed out that with 58 days left before the repayment date, Suning and Oaktree Capital may have 4 solutions:
The first is the repayment of a loan of 375 million euros. Of course, this is almost impossible. If there is a huge amount of money, Inter will not ask Oaktree Capital to borrow.
Second, Zhang Kangyang negotiated with Oaktree Capital to postpone the repayment date, giving Zhang Kangyang and Inter more time to raise funds. Zhang Kangyang wants to defer repayments for at least one year and is willing to raise the interest rate from 12% to 15%.
Third, find new lenders to repay the loans. However, due to the tight time, Zhang Kangyang needs to find a lending institution and then operate the repayment matter in 2 months, but I am afraid it is too late.
Fourth, Oaktree Capital took over Inter. This is the last thing Zhang Kangyang wants to see, which means that Suning is completely out, and 8 years of investment and hard work have all been wasted, and the losses are huge.
The sale of Inter Milan has not been smooth, or rather unexpected. Zhang Kangyang has always had a firm attitude: Suning will continue to operate Inter. However, the rumors of Inter's sale have never stopped. AC Milan sold 1.2 billion euros, and Zhang Kangyang's valuation of Inter is at least 1.3 billion. However, in the past three years, there has been no in-depth research and investigation by a real buyer, and there is no way to talk about the transfer of the club.
For Zhang Kangyang and Inter, there are also certain concerns about future operations. Inter Milan CEO Marotta confirmed that he will leave after the expiration of his contract with the club (30 June 2027). As we all know, behind the successful operation of Inter in recent years is Marotta's strategy. Without Mr. Ma, Inter would not be where it is today.