Inter Milan are seeking to recall Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro early from his loan spell at Sampdoria to include him in their squad for this summer’s Club World Cup, though the Serie B side are determined to retain the 20-year-old for their crucial relegation playoff.
According to Genoa-based newspaper Il Secolo XIX, via FCInterNews, the Nerazzurri want the young midfielder back in their squad before his loan arrangement expires at the end of next month, viewing the expanded Club World Cup as an ideal opportunity to assess their emerging talents.
Akinsanmiro has been a regular fixture in Sampdoria’s lineup throughout what has been a torrid campaign for the Blucerchiati, who appeared destined for relegation to Serie C before receiving a lifeline through Brescia’s enforced demotion for off-pitch reasons.
The timing of Inter’s request creates a significant dilemma for Sampdoria, who face a crucial two-legged relegation playoff against Salernitana next month and view the Nigerian as integral to their survival hopes.
The Ligurian club’s reluctance to release Akinsanmiro stems from his consistent contributions during a season that has seen multiple changes of coach as they battled to avoid the drop from Italy’s second tier.
Inter’s interest in recalling the midfielder reflects their desire to utilise the Club World Cup as a testing ground for their academy products, with Akinsanmiro representing one of several young talents the Milan giants are keen to evaluate on the global stage.
The former Remo Stars Academy product joined Sampdoria on loan last summer after breaking through at Inter, where he featured once in Serie A last season before the decision was made to send him out for regular first-team football.
His development at the Marassi has been notable, with 21 appearances and one goal in Serie B demonstrating his progression since joining Inter on deadline day in January 2023 from Beyond Limits Football Academy, the sister club of Nigeria Premier Football League side Remo Stars.
However, Sampdoria’s precarious position means they are unlikely to willingly release a player who has become an important part of their setup during such a critical period in their season.
The relegation playoff against Salernitana represents Sampdoria’s final chance to avoid dropping to Serie C, making Akinsanmiro’s presence potentially crucial to their survival in Italy’s second tier.
