Last winter transfer, Inter Milan went all out to get Pandev and did not hesitate to fall out with Lazio. Ultimately, Pandev also managed, through his own efforts and legal means, to terminate his contract with the Blue Eagles (Lazio) and become a free agent, thus becoming an Inter Milan player for the second time. However, it seems that Pandev's "second marriage" with Inter Milan is also coming to an end. Since joining Inter Milan, Pandev only showed miraculous performances at the beginning stage. His direct free-kick goal in the Milan Derby earned him high praise. Unfortunately, after that, he became just another average player. After Mourinho left, Pandev had even fewer opportunities. Under Benitez, his importance was less than that of Biabiany. According to statistics, this season Pandev has made 23 appearances across all competitions for the Nerazzurri, scoring only one goal. Such performance has determined that the Macedonian will be a permanent substitute.
In last weekend's Italian Derby, when Inter Milan could not break the deadlock, Pandev was sent on by Leonardo, but his performance was far from satisfactory. A few times when he received the ball and passed it, it was extremely sloppy. It can be said that Pandev's appearance did not have any effect at all. Leonardo probably regretted why he sent on Pandev instead of other players after the game. This match also cost Pandev his last chance.
If Pandev leaves, then Inter Milan must increase their reserve in the forward line because, apart from Pandev, they only have Eto'o, Milito, Palacio, and Coutinho as forwards. It is reported that Inter Milan has already found a replacement for Pandev - Giuseppe Rossi, who plays for Villarreal. Rossi is an Italian international. In the recent Italy vs Germany game which ended in a 1-1 draw, it was Rossi's goal that helped the Azzurri force a draw against their old rival. Like Pandev, Rossi is a versatile attacking player, but he is younger and more promising. Most importantly, he is Italian. If Rossi joins, along with Palacio, Inter Milan will have an Italian national team forward line combination. For Inter Milan, which has long been criticized in Serie A, they hope to win hearts and improve their image through such changes.
According to Italian media reports, Pandev may return to Lazio this summer, but given Lazio president Lotito's character, the Macedonian might not have this opportunity. Additionally, Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich and Premier League's Tottenham are also interested in Pandev. As a utility player who can play any position in the front field, Pandev still has a certain value. Last winter transfer, Inter Milan signed Pandev without spending a penny, so this time they do not plan to make a profit from Pandev's transfer fee. Perhaps Moratti only wants to recover the salary expenses spent on him. In this way, Pandev's transfer fee will definitely not exceed 8 million euros.
Milito is injured, Palacio does not have Champions League eligibility. When Inter Milan faces Bayern, how will Leonardo maintain his 4312 formation? The answer given by the Italian media is Pandev, but from his substitute performance in the Italian Derby, the Macedonian cannot partner Eto'o and threaten the opponent's goal. In fact, Inter Milan has already lost confidence in Pandev and plans to get rid of the Macedonian striker this summer. They have also found a replacement for Pandev, namely Giuseppe Rossi who plays for Villarreal.
However, it will be very difficult for Inter Milan to acquire Rossi because Juventus is also keeping an eye on Rossi. It is reported that Rossi's current buyout clause is 40 million euros, and Villarreal's asking price is exactly this figure. But it is certain that Inter Milan is unwilling to spend 40 million euros to buy Rossi, considering Palacio cost less than 20 million euros. According to Italian media analysis, the only positive news for Inter Milan to get Rossi is that the player himself wants to return to play in Italy.