Inter have reached an agreement with Lazio to sign goalkeeper Ivan Provedel for €3m, though the Serie A champions will only complete the transfer following a medical examination scheduled for next week.
The Italy international has verbally accepted a three-year contract with the Nerazzurri, according to Sky Sport Italia. However, club doctors must first assess his fitness after he underwent shoulder surgery earlier this year, making the physical examination a crucial step in the process.
Injury delay
Provedel has been sidelined since March after sustaining a serious shoulder injury that required an operation. The goalkeeper is not expected to return to training until August following four to five months of rehabilitation.
This extended absence explains why Inter are insisting on a thorough medical assessment before finalising the paperwork. The 31-year-old damaged the glenohumeral ligament and glenoid labrum in his shoulder, injuries that typically demand careful recovery management and carry risks of recurrence if rushed.
Should the examination reveal no complications, Provedel will join Simone Inzaghi’s squad ahead of the new campaign. Any setback could potentially delay the move or require renegotiation of terms between the clubs.
Goalkeeper reshuffle
The signing addresses Inter’s urgent need for experienced cover following Yann Sommer’s departure at the end of his contract. The Swiss international’s exit left the club with limited options between the posts heading into pre-season preparations.
Provedel will likely compete with Josep Martinez for the starting role once fully fit. The former Lazio stopper brings extensive Serie A experience and international pedigree, having established himself as one of Italy’s most reliable goalkeepers during his time in Rome.
Juventus had also explored signing Provedel earlier in the transfer window, monitoring his situation as they assessed their own goalkeeping requirements. However, the player’s agent confirmed he supported Inter throughout his childhood, and this long-standing preference helped the Milan club secure his signature despite interest from their Turin rivals.
The deal represents a relatively modest investment for a player of Provedel’s calibre, reflecting both his contract situation and current injury status. Lazio have sanctioned the move for a fee of just €3m, allowing their former first-choice keeper to remain in Italy’s top flight.
If cleared by medical staff, Provedel will add valuable depth to Inter’s squad as they prepare to defend their Scudetto title while competing in European competition. His arrival would complete the club’s search for a replacement for Sommer, providing Inzaghi with two capable options for the season ahead.