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De Vrij turned down offers from Napoli and Saudi Pro League

De Vrij turned down offers from Napoli and Saudi Pro League
De Vrij turned down offers from Napoli and Saudi Pro League

Stefan De Vrij unexpectedly found himself being Inter’s undisputed first-choice centre-back this season, which convinced him to turn down proposals tempting him away from the San Siro, including one coming from his former coach Antonio Conte.

The Netherlands international is getting more playing time than he arguably expected at the start of the season due to Francesco Acerbi’s repeated injuries and his solid defensive displays at the age of 32 prompted some clubs, both domestically and abroad, to consider his signing.

Netherlands' defender #06 Stefan de Vrij heads the ball and scores his team's first goal during the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-final football match between the Netherlands and Turkey at the Olympiastadion Berlin in Berlin on July 6, 2024. (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP) (Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images)
Netherlands’ defender #06 Stefan de Vrij heads the ball and scores his team’s first goal during the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-final football match between the Netherlands and Turkey at the Olympiastadion Berlin in Berlin on July 6, 2024. (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP) (Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images)

With his contract expiring in June 2025, De Vrij became a particularly attractive transfer target also for the January window, but he’s reportedly adamant to stay at the Nerazzurri at least until the end of the season.

De Vrij rejected proposal to join Conte at Napoli

According to Tuttosport, Napoli were looking at the Dutch defender to strengthen their defence in January as their coach Antonio Conte still considers him highly after their stint together at Inter, but they faced their reluctance to leave Simone Inzaghi’s side.

(LtoR) Inter Milan's Brazilian defender #30 Carlos Augusto, Inter Milan's Dutch defender #02 Denzel Dumfries, Inter Milan's Dutch defender #06 Stefan de Vrij and Inter Milan's Italian midfielder #16 Davide Frattesi react after the Italian Serie A football match between AC Monza and Inter Milan at the Brianteo stadium in Monza, on September 15, 2024. (Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

The former Lazio centre-back also turned down interest from a couple of Saudi Pro League outfits, who were willing to offer him a lucrative wage.

De Vrij has 19 appearances across three competitions this season, with one Serie A goal.