Inter Milan complete the permanent signing of Polish international Nicola Zalewski from AS Roma for around €6 million. The 23-year-old impressed during a loan spell and is now part of Inter’s long-term project.
Inter Milan have officially confirmed the permanent signing of Nicola Zalewski from AS Roma, after exercising the purchase option agreed between the two clubs during the player’s initial loan move. The Polish international becomes a full-time member of the Nerazzurri squad following an impressive half-season spell under manager Simone Inzaghi.
Zalewski, 23, initially joined Inter on loan in the January transfer window and quickly integrated into the team’s system, showcasing his versatility, work rate, and tactical awareness. He made 17 appearances in all competitions for Inter since February, contributing consistently whether deployed as a wide midfielder, full-back, or wing-back a role he was frequently assigned during his time at Roma under José Mourinho and Daniele De Rossi.
"Inter Milan confirms it has exercised the purchase option for Nicola Zalewski from AS Roma. The 23-year-old midfielder, who featured in 17 matches for the Nerazzurri since February, has signed a permanent contract," read a statement issued by the club, highlighting their confidence in the player’s long-term potential.
While the official statement did not disclose the transfer fee, multiple Italian media outlets report that the move cost Inter around six million euros a relatively modest figure in today’s market and widely regarded as a bargain for a young international player with top-level experience.
Zalewski, born in Italy to Polish parents, chose to represent Poland at international level and has already earned over 20 caps for the senior national team. He participated in UEFA Euro 2024 and is expected to play a key role in Poland’s future campaigns. His dual-nationality upbringing has helped him develop a balanced footballing education blending the tactical discipline of Italian football with the more direct and aggressive playing style seen in the Polish national setup.
The move to Inter marks a significant step forward in Zalewski’s career. At Roma, he made his senior debut in 2021 and went on to play over 70 matches for the Giallorossi, including appearances in the UEFA Europa League final and the UEFA Conference League triumph in 2022. However, increased competition and tactical shifts under new coaching direction meant that a permanent role became uncertain paving the way for his January loan move.
Inter’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio, praised Zalewski’s impact and development during his short time at the club. “Nicola showed great maturity and adaptability from the moment he arrived. He’s a modern player who understands the demands of multiple positions, and we believe he still has a lot of room to grow. He perfectly fits our project, both in terms of technical quality and personality.”
Zalewski is expected to play an even greater role in the 2025–26 campaign, especially as Inter prepare to compete on multiple fronts once again: in Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League. His ability to function on either flank, press effectively, and contribute both defensively and offensively will offer Inzaghi more tactical flexibility especially important given the expected squad rotation across a congested calendar.
With this signing, Inter continue their strategy of acquiring young, versatile players with high ceilings while managing financial sustainability a key focus following UEFA’s Financial Fair Play tightening and Serie A’s growing competitiveness.
