Alexis Sanchez has completed a permanent switch to Inter Milan, where he spent the 2019/20 season on loan from Manchester United.
The move was confirmed yesterday by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following the Red Devils’ win over LASK Linz in the Europa League. The Norwegian manager told BT Sport: “We have agreed [the deal]. He has enjoyed his time here. He is a top player but for whatever reason we didn’t see the best of him. He is a top professional and we wish him all the best.”
The player’s exit was officially announced this morning. A Manchester United club statement read: “Everyone at Manchester United wishes Alexis Sanchez all the best in his future career as he joins Inter Milan on a permanent transfer.”
Inter Milan Confirm the Signing of Alexis Sanchez
How the Move Affects Both Parties
Sanctioning the departure of Sanchez still means the Old Trafford club faces a significant financial hit. The player will receive a pay off from the club after agreeing to waive the final two years of his contract as the highest-paid player in the Premier League.
Doing so allows Sanchez to join Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan on a free transfer. He joins the Italian club on a contract until 2023.
Significantly, the completion of the move means Sanchez is available to play in the mini-tournament that concludes this season’s Europa League.
Inter Milan and United are on opposite sides of the draw, meaning they are scheduled to meet in the final. However, this will only be if both sides get there.
That would mean a reunion with his former side for Sanchez, as well as his current Inter team-mates Ashley Young and Romelu Lukaku.
The Disastrous Swap Deal That Took Him to Old Trafford
Alexis Sanchez joined United in January 2018, in a swap deal with Arsenal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan link up with the Gunners.
The transfer has been a disaster for both parties. Neither manager involved in the deal remains at either club. Arsene Wenger retired at the end of that season, whereas Jose Mourinho was sacked in December 2018.
The same is true regarding both players. Mkhitaryan has since been offloaded on a two-year loan to AS Roma after failing to inspire in North London, Meanwhile, Sanchez’s loan deal in Italy has become a permanent switch.
The Chilean forward scored only five goals in 45 games during his time in Manchester. His time in Italy has been more fruitful, however. He has registered four goals and nine assists in 22 league games in Serie A.
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