Maxi €22m bid rejected for the 18-year-old son of the former Milan star, with Brazil still seen as the best place to grow
A striking rumor has crossed the Atlantic from Brazil to Italy, and it has quickly caught the attention of the transfer market. Inter have reportedly set their sights on Robinho Junior, the 18-year-old son of former Milan and Brazil star Robinho, currently developing at Santos.
According to Brazilian outlet UOL, the young attacker even used the Christmas break for a discreet trip to Italy, visiting Inter’s facilities and getting a first-hand look at the club’s environment—fueling speculation about a potential move.
Inter’s offer: strong intent, clear message
Inter’s interest is not new. The club have been monitoring Robinho Jr. for over a year and decided to test Santos’ resolve with a major January bid:
- €18 million fixed fee
- €4 million in performance-related bonuses
A total package worth €22 million, an exceptional figure for a player who has yet to establish himself at senior level.
The message from Inter was clear: they see Robinho Jr. as a long-term investment, not a short-term gamble.
Why Santos said no
Santos, however, were unmoved. The Brazilian club rejected the offer outright, preferring to postpone any decision until the summer. With Robinho Jr.’s contract running until 2027, Santos believe time is still on their side and expect a competitive auction once European clubs intensify their pursuit.
There is also a strategic element: Santos want Robinho Jr. to continue his development at home, where he is viewed as one of the academy’s most valuable assets.
Player and family cautious about Europe
Another key factor is the player himself. Robinho Jr. is not yet convinced that this is the right moment to leave Brazil. The priority, shared by his entourage and family, is to gain consistent minutes and mature in familiar surroundings—at least for the first half of the year.
Inter attempted to bridge the gap by proposing a buy-now, stay-until-June formula, purchasing the player immediately and loaning him back to Santos until the summer. For now, neither Santos nor the player’s camp see this as the ideal solution.
Frattesi drawing interest from England
Inter’s market discussions do not stop with incoming prospects. After strong interest from Galatasaray, another foreign club has made inquiries for Davide Frattesi in recent hours: Nottingham Forest.
The Nerazzurri have been clear with the Premier League side, reiterating their valuation of €35 million, with no room for player-exchange formulas—including any potential discussion involving Dan Ndoye. Contacts have intensified over the past few hours and could be explored further in the coming days, though Inter’s stance remains firm.
A name to watch for the summer
Despite the setback on Robinho Jr., Inter’s strategy is consistent: invest early in elite young talent while protecting the core of the squad. Both the Brazilian teenager and Frattesi’s situation underline a clear message from Appiano Gentile—only the right offers will open doors.
For now, Robinho Jr. remains a future temptation, while Frattesi’s price tag sets a high bar. Inter are watching, waiting, and ready to move when timing—and value—align.
