Inter could be active in the wing-back market again in the summer of 2024 and have reportedly set their sights on AZ Alkmaar and Japan national team right-back, Yukinari Sugawara.
According to the information of FCInter1908, Inter has been following the Japanese defender for several months and was a candidate to join the club before Tajon Buchanan was signed. Sugawara plays for AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie and represents Japan internationally. In 33 total appearances this season, the 23-year-old has scored one goal and picked up seven assists. He is quite flexible, having played left and right centre-back, right-back and even right-wing this season- although his primary position is at right-back.
Denzel Dumfries’ contract situation is still up in the air and Inter has begun to look around for potential alternatives. Along with this, Tajon Buchanan, who was signed from Club Brugge in the January transfer window, has been used only on the left rather than his dominant right side and could become a permanent option to rotate with Federico Dimarco, as Carlos Auguso has been performing strongly in the left centre-back role. Matteo Darmian, who has played right wing-back when Denzel Dumfries has been unavailable this season, will most likely be deployed in defence rather than wing-back moving forward, and for these reasons, a spot could open up on the right. This is why Inter is looking at Sugawara.
Yukinari Sugawara has a contract expiring in 2025 and is valued between €10-15M.
