Stefan de Vrij is poised to continue his career in Greece after agreeing personal terms with Panathinaikos. The 34-year-old Dutch defender and former Netherlands international will depart Inter Milan as a free agent when his contract expires, ending speculation about a possible extension at San Siro.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reports that the experienced centre-back has settled on conditions with the Athens club. Final confirmation from the player remains the last step before the move becomes official.
Trophy-laden spell at Inter
De Vrij joined Inter in 2018 from Lazio without a transfer fee, mirroring his upcoming exit. During six seasons with the Nerazzurri, he established himself as a regular in their defensive unit, featuring consistently as the club returned to domestic dominance.
The centre-back departs having collected significant silverware. He helped Inter secure three consecutive Serie A championships and three Coppa Italia triumphs. Additionally, he contributed to three Italian Supercup victories during his tenure at the club. His medal collection also includes the 2017-18 Supercoppa Italiana from his final season with Lazio.
From Rotterdam to Rome to Athens
The defender’s Italian journey began in 2014 when he moved from Feyenoord to the capital for €7 million. Having developed through the Rotterdam club’s renowned academy and first team, he adapted quickly to the tactical demands of Serie A and established himself as a key figure in Lazio’s defence before his switch to Inter.
Across spells with both Roman clubs, De Vrij accumulated 308 top-flight appearances, demonstrating remarkable durability at the highest level. He found the net 20 times and registered seven assists during his decade in Italy, establishing himself as one of the league’s most consistent centre-backs.
Panathinaikos will mark a new chapter for the veteran, offering him the opportunity to compete in the Greek Super League. The move represents another free transfer for the defender, who previously left both Feyenoord and Lazio without a fee changing hands.
Inter will need to reshape their defensive options following the departure of the experienced centre-back. Meanwhile, Panathinaikos stand to gain a player with extensive experience in one of Europe’s most demanding leagues, having competed at the top level in Italy for ten consecutive years.