De Vrij says goodbye to Inter, will join Panathinaikos as free agent
Quick summary
Stefan de Vrij is leaving Inter Milan as a free agent and will join Greek club Panathinaikos, ending his long stint with the Nerazzurri.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceAs expected , Stefan de Vrij has decided not to extend his contract with Inter, as he has agreed personal terms to join Panathinaikos as a free agent.
His current deal at San Siro is due to expire on June 30 and he had been offered a new one-year extension.
However, he seemed eager for more playing time elsewhere and was approached by Panathinaikos for a new experience outside Serie A.
De Vrij accepts Panathinaikos offer MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Stefan de Vrij of FC Internazionale Milano poses for a photo with the Coppa Campioni d’Italia and Coppa Italia trophies following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Multiple sources including Sky Sport Italia now report he has agreed a one-year contract with option for a second with Panathinaikos, worth €3m per season net.
De Vrij is due to put pen to paper on Monday and be announced by his new club.
The 34-year-old made over 300 Serie A appearances in his career since joining Lazio from Feyenoord in 2014, then moved to Inter as a free agent in 2018.
He had been due to participate in the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands, but was forced to withdraw due to injury.
The central defender made 17 competitive appearances for Inter this season, on their way to the Serie A and Coppa Italia double.
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What happened
Experienced Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij has confirmed his departure from Inter Milan and is set to join Panathinaikos on a free transfer. De Vrij had been a key part of Inter's defense in recent seasons, winning multiple trophies including the Serie A title. His exit represents a significant loss of experience from Inter's backline, while Panathinaikos secure a high-profile signing ahead of their Greek Super League campaign. The move also marks a return to Greece for the veteran centre-back in the latter stage of his career.
Chance analysis
De Vrij's departure is a notable defensive loss for Inter Milan, who lose a experienced, ball-playing centre-back on a free transfer. At 33, his role had diminished but he remained a reliable squad option. For Panathinaikos, acquiring a player of his pedigree is a significant statement of intent in the Greek Super League, boosting both defensive quality and commercial profile. This has limited impact on Serie A title-race dynamics but is meaningful for Greek football and Inter's squad planning.
Inter's defensive depth weakens slightly with De Vrij's exit, while Panathinaikos gain a marquee signing for the Greek Super League.
Inter lose defensive depth and experience; expect them to seek a replacement centre-back in the market.