In a stunning and deeply embarrassing episode for one of Europe’s most storied football clubs, Inter Milan have terminated the employment of a senior backroom staff member after it was discovered they were responsible for leaking highly sensitive internal documents detailing the club’s transfer plans for the summer of 2025. Among the most explosive revelations? Inter’s secret ambitions to sign former Chelsea and current Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho and Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne.
The leak, which spread like wildfire across social media and was picked up by various European media outlets, has not only jeopardized the club’s strategic market movements but also sparked major internal unrest at a time when new manager Cristian Chivu is attempting to reshape the squad in his own image.
Let’s dive deep into how this shocking event unfolded, who was involved, what the consequences are, and what this tells us about the direction—and dysfunction—within Inter Milan.
The Leak: A Digital Breach with Real-World Fallout
According to multiple sources within Italian media, the leak originated from a confidential presentation that was shared among Inter Milan’s technical and scouting department. The document, marked “Internal Use Only,” included:
- Transfer strategy for the 2025 summer window
- Financial projections and player salary budgets
- A detailed list of priority, secondary, and backup transfer targets
- Negotiation timelines and scouting reports
Within 48 hours of the internal strategy meeting, screenshots and excerpts from the document were anonymously sent to several football news outlets and quickly began circulating on social media. One of the most viral leaks was a scouting breakdown of Jadon Sancho’s recent performances in Germany (he is currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund) and an internal valuation of Kevin De Bruyne, who is believed to be open to a new challenge after nine seasons at Manchester City.
The leak effectively pulled back the curtain on Inter’s entire transfer ambition—revealing that the Nerazzurri were willing to stretch their wage structure to sign at least one marquee player to boost their global profile under the new Chivu era.
The Targets: Jadon Sancho and Kevin De Bruyne
Jadon Sancho
Inter’s interest in Sancho is not without logic. The English winger has seen a turbulent career since his big-money move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United. After falling out with Erik ten Hag and being banished from first-team action, Sancho returned to Dortmund on loan and has shown glimpses of the flair and creativity that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.
The leaked documents revealed that Inter were preparing a €30 million offer to Manchester United, hoping to take advantage of Sancho’s depreciated market value and strained relationship with the English club. His versatility on the wings and marketability as a former Premier League and Bundesliga star were seen as significant assets.
Kevin De Bruyne
The bigger bombshell, however, was the revelation that Inter were actively monitoring Kevin De Bruyne’s situation at Manchester City. At 33, De Bruyne remains one of the best midfielders in the world, but with his contract expiring in 2026 and rumors of a summer overhaul at City, Inter saw a slim opportunity to lure him to Serie A.
According to the leak, Inter were prepared to offer De Bruyne a two-year contract with a net salary of €11 million per season, a figure that would make him the highest-paid player in the club’s history. Talks had not yet begun, but initial contact with his representatives had reportedly taken place.
The Culprit: A Trusted Insider Turned Liability
Once the leak was detected, Inter Milan launched an internal investigation led by the club’s legal and IT departments. The culprit was identified as a mid-level operations coordinator who had been with the club for over five years. Trusted by many within the hierarchy, the staffer allegedly forwarded the documents to an external party via a personal email, breaching multiple clauses in his employment contract and club confidentiality policies.
The club acted swiftly. Within 24 hours of identifying the source, the employee was escorted off club premises and terminated with immediate effect. Legal action is also being considered.
In a statement, Inter Milan said:
“FC Internazionale Milano confirms the immediate dismissal of a staff member following a serious violation of confidentiality protocols. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure our strategic planning remains protected and unaffected.”
Cristian Chivu’s Response: Damage Control Mode
New manager Cristian Chivu, who has only recently stepped into one of the most high-pressure managerial roles in European football, is said to be “furious” at the disruption caused by the leak. According to insiders, Chivu had personally overseen parts of the transfer plan and felt the breach had not only exposed club secrets but also undermined his credibility in early negotiations with potential signings.
In a hastily arranged internal meeting with senior players and coaching staff, Chivu reportedly addressed the situation directly:
“These leaks do not represent our values. They will not define our summer. We move forward with clarity and focus.”
Chivu has instructed the sporting director Piero Ausilio to revise the scouting and negotiation process, including reducing the number of individuals who have access to strategic documents.
Fallout: Broken Trust and Scrapped Plans
The fallout has been severe. While it remains unclear whether Inter will still pursue Sancho or De Bruyne, club sources suggest that some parts of the original strategy are now being scrapped due to the risk of inflating asking prices or scaring off agents who prefer discretion.
Several European clubs are believed to have used the leak to approach the same targets, hoping to outbid Inter or accelerate their own plans. The Nerazzurri may now pivot toward younger, less well-known targets to avoid further complications.
This debacle also highlights an emerging vulnerability in modern football: the ease with which sensitive data can be stolen, copied, or leaked in a digital environment. For clubs with millions at stake in transfer deals, a single breach can lead to enormous competitive disadvantages.
Fan Reaction: Anger, Embarrassment, and Concern
Inter fans, known for their passionate and vocal support, have not taken the news lightly. Social media has exploded with calls for more accountability, better security measures, and even public transparency regarding the club’s next steps.
On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #InterLeak trended across Italy. Fan opinions were a mixture of disappointment and frustration:
“How can we expect to compete at the highest level if our own staff are selling us out?”
“If we miss out on De Bruyne or Sancho because of this, heads need to roll beyond just one staffer.”
Conclusion: A Summer Rebuild Shaken Before It Began
Inter Milan’s summer was supposed to mark the beginning of a bold new era under Cristian Chivu—defined by ambition, smart recruitment, and a tactical refresh. Instead, it now begins under the cloud of a deeply embarrassing internal scandal.
The sacking of the staff member responsible may contain the immediate damage, but the ripple effects will linger. Potential deals are in jeopardy, trust within the organization has been fractured, and Chivu must now navigate a summer rebuild while also plugging holes in the club’s operational security.
Whether or not Inter can recover from this early storm will likely define not just their upcoming season, but the trajectory of Chivu’s managerial reign. One thing is certain: the club cannot afford another breach—because in modern football, information is as valuable as talent.
