De Vrij ready to leave Inter and join Panathinaikos as free agent
Quick summary
Stefan de Vrij is prepared to leave Inter Milan on a free transfer and join Greek club Panathinaikos, with his Inter contract nearing its end.
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Attributed to original sourceInter defender Stefan de Vrij is reportedly on the verge of joining Panathinaikos as a free agent, so will not be extending his contract.
The 34-year-old had been at San Siro since the summer of 2018, when he also left Lazio as a free agent with his deal running down.
De Vrij to quit Serie A MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 02: Stefan de Vrij of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) There had still been some small hope that he would negotiate an extension with the Nerazzurri, but it seems as if his time in Italy has come to a close.
According to transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano , personal terms have been agreed with Panathinaikos and they are just waiting for the final all-clear from the Dutch defender.
He really has been a stalwart of Serie A, first coming to Lazio from Feyenoord in a deal worth €7m in the summer of 2014.
De Vrij went on to make 308 Serie A appearances, scoring 20 goals and providing seven assists.
He won three Serie A titles with Inter, three editions of the Coppa Italia and three Italian Supercups, along with the 2017-18 Supercoppa Italiana for Lazio.
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What happened
Experienced Dutch centre-back Stefan de Vrij is set to depart Inter Milan as a free agent, with Greek Super League side Panathinaikos emerging as his likely next destination. The 33-year-old's contract at Inter expires in the summer, and reports indicate he is ready to make the move to Athens. De Vrij has been a key figure in Inter's defence since joining from Lazio in 2018, winning multiple trophies including the Serie A title. His departure would free up significant salary space for Inter as they look to rebuild under new management.
Chance analysis
De Vrij's potential exit on a free represents a significant loss of experience and leadership for Inter Milan's backline, though his decline in recent seasons makes this a manageable departure. For Panathinaikos, landing a player of de Vrij's pedigree would be a statement signing in the Greek Super League, raising their competitive profile domestically. Inter will need to plan for a defensive reshuffle, potentially accelerating youth integration or pursuing a replacement in the upcoming transfer window.
Inter lose an experienced but declining centre-back; Panathinaikos gain a high-profile defensive reinforcement on a free transfer.
De Vrij's expected departure weakens Inter's defensive depth and frees wage budget, while strengthening Panathinaikos in the Greek Super League.