Bastoni ‘not thinking about leaving’ Inter Milan despite reported Al Hilal interest

Alessandro Bastoni has “two years left” on his contract and is “not thinking about joining any other club”, his agent has insisted, amid reports that Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal are preparing a major move for the Inter Milan defender.

The Italian centre-back, 27, has been heavily linked in recent days with the Riyadh club, who are seeking to overhaul their squad in the current summer transfer window after a disappointing season by their high standards.

Al Hilal, managed by former Inter boss Simone Inzaghi, are understood to have identified Bastoni as a priority target as they look to strengthen defensively before the new Saudi Pro League campaign.

However, the player’s representative, Tulio Tinti, has strongly played down the likelihood of an imminent move.

Agent: Bastoni ‘in love’ with Inter

Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, Tinti underlined Bastoni’s commitment to the Serie A champions and stressed that the defender is not agitating for a transfer.

He said: “Usually the players I represent and I respect the contracts. He has two years left on his contract, he is a big Inter fan and loves this club, and today he is not thinking about joining any other team.”

Tinti did not completely rule out the possibility of talks in the future, but indicated that any negotiation would require full alignment between club and player.

He added: “If a club appears that satisfies Inter and the player, then we can talk. All these talks are still not enough to conduct real negotiations.”

His comments appear aimed at cooling growing speculation, particularly from abroad, that Al Hilal could tempt Bastoni with a lucrative offer and the chance to reunite with Inzaghi, under whom he enjoyed considerable success in Milan.

‘I don’t think so’ over exit after difficult year

Bastoni is reported to have endured a challenging season on and off the pitch, prompting questions in Italy about whether he might seek a fresh start outside Serie A.

When asked directly whether the defender could leave Italy after such a difficult year, Tinti responded with a smile: “I don’t think so, and maybe I would have thought this way if I were in his place.”

He continued: “This young man has a great sense of responsibility, and he loves the Inter Milan shirt.”

The agent’s remarks reinforce the image of Bastoni as a player deeply tied to Inter, both emotionally and professionally, making any attempt to lure him away a complicated and expensive undertaking.

Inter set high valuation for Italy international

Bastoni has previously been linked with moves to La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, but Italian reports have consistently suggested that Inter are unwilling to part with their Italy international defender for less than €70m.

That valuation underlines his importance to the club. Since breaking into the first team, Bastoni has become a mainstay of Inter’s back line, combining strong defensive skills with the ability to build play from deep.

He has made 298 appearances for Inter in all competitions, winning three Serie A titles, three Coppa Italia trophies and three Italian Super Cups.

With such a track record and two years remaining on his contract, Inter are under no immediate pressure to sell, further complicating any potential move by Al Hilal or Europe’s elite.

Al Hilal’s rebuild faces early setback

For Al Hilal, Bastoni’s stance – and Inter’s high asking price – represent an early obstacle in their efforts to refresh a squad that underperformed last season.

The Saudi club have been aggressive in the transfer market in recent windows, attracting high-profile names from European football as part of a broader push to raise the profile and competitiveness of the Saudi Pro League.

But, for now at least, Bastoni appears firmly focused on extending his successful spell in Milan rather than embarking on a new adventure in Saudi Arabia or elsewhere.

Unless Inter soften their position or the player’s outlook changes, Al Hilal may be forced to turn to alternative defensive targets as the new season approaches.