Nigeria midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro is set to return to Inter Milan this summer after Pisa decided against making his loan move permanent, a development that has come as a surprise to those close to the player, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
A source at Beyond Limits, the Nigerian academy side that still retain a percentage of the midfielder’s economic rights, told Footy-Africa.com that Pisa’s decision not to sign him outright came as a genuine shock.
“We are surprised they allowed him to go back to Inter Milan because we honestly thought they would sign him on a permanent deal,” the source said.
“I do not know whether the issue was Pisa’s valuation of the player or Inter’s demands, but it definitely came as a surprise to us. The player is back home now and enjoying his holiday.”
Akinsanmiro featured regularly for Pisa last season, making 24 appearances from midfield and registering one assist. Although he did not score, he impressed with his energy, discipline and composure in a deep midfield role, further enhancing his reputation as one of Nigeria’s promising young talents in Europe.
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According to the source, Pisa’s relegation may have played a major role in the decision, with the financial demands of a €7.5 million deal perhaps proving too much for a club preparing for life in Serie B.
“Pisa were relegated last season, so maybe that is a factor because they might not be financially capable of doing such a deal if they are going to play in Serie B,” the source added.
Despite the setback, Akinsanmiro is not expected to be short of suitors this summer. Interest is already building in Italy, with one of the newly promoted Serie A clubs believed to be monitoring his situation closely.
“I am sure he will not be short of options when he resumes pre-season because there are already clubs interested in him,” the source continued.
“One of the newly promoted teams in Italy is already looking at him, so we will just have to wait and see how things unfold.”
The 21-year-old has spent the last two seasons away from the Nerazzurri, first with Sampdoria and then Pisa, as he continued his development through regular first-team football in Italy.
Pisa had the option to sign Akinsanmiro permanently for €7.5 million, but the Italian club have opted not to activate the clause, meaning the young Nigerian will head back to Inter ahead of pre-season.
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While the decision opens the door for a return to Milan, Akinsanmiro’s long-term future is still far from settled. Another loan move remains a possibility, while a permanent transfer could also be explored before the summer window closes.
For now, Akinsanmiro returns to Inter Milan as a more experienced and mature midfielder after two important seasons of senior football. Whether he stays to fight for a place at San Siro or heads out again in search of regular minutes, the next few weeks could be decisive in shaping the next chapter of his career.
