Socceroos defender Trent Sainsbury has swapped the Chinese Super League for Italian giants Inter Milan in an intriguing and exciting transfer deadline day move.
The 25-year-old, who began his career in the A-League with the Central Coast Mariners, has joined the Nerazzurri on loan from Jiangsu Suning until the end of the season.
The shared ownership between the two clubs is a pivotal part of the move.
The owners of Jiangsu Suning took majority ownership of Inter Milan last year, with new Chinese football regulations easing Sainsbury’s passage to Europe.
Each Chinese Super League side is allowed to own five foreign players, including one from the Asian confederation which includes Australia, but field only three at the same time.
With South American stars Ramires, Roger Martinez and Alex Teixeira – who signed for the club in a $A60m deal last year – on Jiangsu Suning’s books already, it appears Sainsbury has been deemed surplus to requirements.
But the club’s loss could be Sainsbury’s gain, having secured a home at one of Europe’s grand old clubs.
Inter is a three-time European champion and an 18-time national champion.
The first-choice national team centre-back will join an illustrious group of Socceroos to have played in Italy when he makes his debut.
Zeljko Kalac played for cross-town rivals AC Milan, while Mark Bresciano, Vince Grella and current A-League coaches Paul Okon (Central Coast) and John Aloisi (Brisbane Roar) spent part of their careers in Italy.
Inter have sold Italy international centre-back Andrea Ranocchia to English club Hull City in another deadline day move, freeing up a place in the side.
Additionally, Brazilian centre-back Joao Miranda was sent off in the club’s Italian Cup quarter-final played on Wednesday morning (AEDT), which could see Sainsbury thrown into first-team action.
The Perth-born defender won the 2012-13 A-League title with the Mariners, earning a move to Dutch club PEC Zwolle.
It was there that Sainsbury established himself as a Socceroos regular, helping the national team lift the Asian Cup in 2015.
After three years in Europe, Sainsbury made a big-money move to China, where he increased his annual wage to a reported $4 million.
He is likely to retain that salary while on Inter’s books.
A brief statement on Inter’s website suggested Sainsbury is likely to wear the number 20 shirt – made famous by Uruguayan forward and one-time Socceroos nemesis Alvaro Recoba.
Inter sit fourth on the Serie A table, nine points behind leaders Juventus.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Yeah 6 months won't be enough time. I imagine he'll get some reserve team time at best. If anything it's a good experience and good exposure to other Euro clubs
Kaks
Roar Guru
They need a chance to show that they deserve to start every week, I'm afraid 6 months is not enough to even get a chance.
Swanny
Guest
I'm pretty sure frank farina had a spell in Italy also Well done sainsbury
Nemesis
Guest
But is he someone who wants leadership roles, Midfielder? Captain is more about media appearances & pressing the flesh at corporate events. I don't know Trent but I'd say he'd hate that sort of stuff?
Midfielder
Guest
I have been saying ever since I saw Trent he will captain the Socceroo's one day and I am sure he will.
AZ_RBB
Guest
I love it that he's gone to a club where he's not guaranteed a spot based on his current ability. Instead he will need to improve as a player if he wants to be a first teamer. That's what we want our players to be doing. Improving! I know Ange likes his players to be getting game time but there's no harm in some being at big clubs where they're constantly fighting for spots. Inter are making a surge for the UCL spots in Italy. Unfortunately they've been knocked out of Coppa and Europa so there will be fewer opportunities for Sainsbury.
SM
Guest
It's great news, but I'd be more confident of him getting regular match time had this move happened six months ago when Inter were a complete shambles. As it is, they've been in great form and if they knock off Juve on Monday morning will be in the hunt for the title. It'll be tough forcing his way into the side, but here's hoping.
jupiter 53
Guest
Any Australian player who moves to a "big" club in Italy, Spain, Germany, France or England is going to have to play consistently much better than his competitors to get into the first team. My understanding is that Australians are discounted because we do not have a national reputation for excellence at football. But isn't that what we want from our good players? To improve enough to be unarguably worth selection?
vin
Guest
its not like inter milan came chasing him, hes surplass to requirements and inter millan is owned by the same company as the chinese club he is at.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Good call.
AGO74
Guest
I agree that initially he will be a bench player and may need an injury to get a look-in but I believe he will get opportunities at some stage as they do only appear to have three central defenders (inclusive of Sainsbury).
Kaks
Roar Guru
I’m glad he has moved to Europe from China. He was too good for China, yet his performances for the Socceroo’s recently weren’t as good as when he was plying his trade in the Netherlands. However, is Inter the right move? The full back positions are well and truly covered, and the centre back position? He would be 3rd choice behind Miranda, Murillo. Don’t think he will be seeing much action unless injuries play a part.
Davo1985
Guest
Fantastic move. Just hope he gets some game time.
JAJI
Guest
At last a Soccceroo transfer we can get excited about - so sick of the endless Chinese transfers back and forward. Though it does have a smell of a Man City/City group style set up as the Chinese club owns a controlling stake in Inter
Nemesis
Guest
Fantastic news. He's definitely got the attributes to make it: Mentally tough. Physically strong. Technically proficient. Tactically aware.