Despite strong interest from the Premier League and a formal offer from Bournemouth, Inter Milan have officially blocked Luis Henrique’s departure to protect their depleted squad.
The Rejection: Financials vs. Necessity
The “Cherries” were aggressive in their pursuit, offering an £18 million (approx. €21.5m) loan-to-buy package for the 24-year-old winger. However, Inter’s management, led by Cristian Chivu, deemed the offer insufficient. Having signed him from Marseille for nearly €23 million, the club refused to record a capital loss, especially while the player is filling a vital gap in the starting XI.
The “Vice-Dumfries” Survival Plan
Luis Henrique’s stay is driven by a brutal injury crisis at the San Siro. With Denzel Dumfries sidelined until at least March following ankle surgery and Carlos Augusto also picking up a knock, the Brazilian is currently the only fit option for the right wing-back position in Chivu’s 3-5-2 system.
- Tactical Adaptation: Originally a winger, Luis Henrique has been praised by the Italian media for his defensive work rate.
- The Stat: He has started 12 of his 18 Serie A appearances this season, including a vital assist in the recent 2-0 win over Cremonese.
Chivu’s Confidence
Cristian Chivu, who was recently named Serie A Coach of the Month for January, has personally pushed for the player’s continuity. Internal reports suggest Chivu sees Luis Henrique not just as a “stop-gap,” but as a player who can offer a different dribbling dynamic that the more physical Dumfries lacks.
Inter’s Wing-Back Depth Chart (Feb 2026)
| Player | Status | Expected Return |
| Luis Henrique | ACTIVE | N/A |
| Carlos Augusto | Injured | Late February |
| Denzel Dumfries | Injured | Late March |
| Federico Dimarco | ACTIVE | N/A |
James Horan is a football writer focused on the Premier League transfer market, covering confirmed signings, transfer rumors, and club strategies during the transfer windows.
