Simone Inzaghi, 49, bids farewell to Inter Milan and heads to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The annual salary is a staggering €25 million (about 39 billion won). In his place, Cesc Fabregas, 38, has emerged as a strong candidate for the successor.

Spain's Marca reported on the 4th (Korea time) that "Simone Inzaghi is leaving Inter Milan to take the helm at Al Hilal. The contract has already been finalized, and he is expected to join the local team ahead of the Club World Cup's opening match against Real Madrid." On the 4th, Inter Milan officially announced the end of Inzaghi's contract.

This marks the end of Inzaghi's last chapter in European football. In the early 2020s, he brought Inter Milan back to the top of Europe, achieving a winning percentage of 65% over 217 matches in four years, cementing his status as the club's most successful manager. He lifted a total of six trophies, including one Serie A title, two Coppa Italia titles, three Supercopa titles, and reached the Champions League final twice.

Now, Inzaghi's stage is the Middle East. Marca reported that "Al Hilal offered Inzaghi a contract with a net income of €25 million per year, which he accepted." This is among the highest salaries in the Saudi league, and Inzaghi will play his first match in this tournament against Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, Inter Milan quickly began searching for a successor. At the center of this is legendary midfielder Cesc Fabregas. Marca reported that "Inter's management has targeted Cesc as the next leader and is in negotiations." The success of promoting Como to Serie A after 20 years was a decisive factor.

Fabregas is regarded as someone capable of executing aggressive tactics, developing youth, and managing long-term projects, making him a perfect fit for Inter's young squad. Inter currently holds the U-19 Serie A championship, but it is also the oldest team in the league with an average age of 29.3 years. The club plans to accelerate its generational transition.

However, there are other candidates besides Fabregas. Marca reported that "Roberto De Zerbi and Cristian Kivu are also on the list. However, Inter Milan considers Fabregas the top option and is likely to make a decision within this week."

Inzaghi leaves Italy for Saudi Arabia, while Fabregas aims for his position. This scene, where an era intersects, holds a symbolism that goes beyond a mere transfer. This summer, as European prestige meets Middle Eastern capital and the challenges of a young generation of coaches, the attention of the football world is once again on Milan and Riyadh.

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