According to a recent report by the Tuttomercatoweb, Stefan de Vrij rejected an offer from Newcastle United in the January transfer window with the Dutchman keen on staying at Inter Milan. It is believed that the centre-back is open to signing a contract extension with the Italian giants before his contract gets expired in 2023. The Magpies were in search of a quality centre-back throughout the transfer window as they made several attempts to bring in a high profile defender. Newcastle United targeted the likes of Sven Botman, Diego Carlos and Stefan de Vrij for a move to the St. James Park but reportedly failed to land any of their priority signings before securing the services of Dan Burns from Brighton.
Stefan de Vrij An Integral Part Of Inter Milan
The Dutch centre-back has become an integral part of the Inter Milan side over the years and is in his 4th season with the club this year. Stefan de Vrij played a key role in Inter’s Serie A triumph last season after a long wait for the club. This season the 30-year-old has been in fine form with Inter Milan firmly in the hunt to retain their domestic title. The Dutchman’s reliable performances have made manager Simone Inzaghi count on his services in their title challenge and the Champions League campaign.
With only 18 months left in the Dutchman’s contract, Inter might have been tempted to offload him but Stefan de Vrij has proved his worth again and again in this Inter side. Newcastle United were prepared to pay a significant transfer fee and offer the centre-back a lucrative wage package but it is believed that de Vrij was not interested in moving just yet. The defender is likely to sign a contract extension with the Italian giants and extend his stay at the San Siro.
What Would Stefan de Vrij Bring To This Newcastle Side If He Made The Move?
Newcastle United have been bought by one of the richest owners in the world recently and they have an exciting project ahead under their newly appointed manager Eddie Howe. The Magpies have been in search of a defender throughout the transfer window due to their recent defensive struggles this season. Stefan de Vrij is considered as one of the best centre-backs in the world currently and thus the Magpies targeted him to improve their defence.
The Dutchman is a leader in the dressing room and is a very calm and composed presence on the field. He is good in the air which also makes him a threat going forward in dead ball situations. His quality on the pitch is undoubtedly very high which suggests that he would have been a perfect fit in the Newcastle rebuild and would surely have made a lot of contribution for the English side.
