Italian midfielder Stefano Sensi’s highly anticipated move to Leicester City hit an unexpected roadblock as the transfer failed to materialize on the January deadline day. La Gazzetta dello Sport provides a detailed account, attributing the collapse to Leicester City’s last-minute changes to the agreed-upon terms.
Initially, Leicester City proposed a deal comprising an upfront payment of €500,000 and an additional €2 million in bonuses, contingent on their securing promotion to the Premier League this season. Despite Inter’s acceptance of these terms, the English club encountered setbacks when they failed to promptly send the signed documents, causing delays in the completion of the transfer.
In an attempt to alleviate financial pressure on Leicester City, Inter later conceded to sending Sensi on a free transfer on the deadline day. However, this revised arrangement included €2.5 million in add-ons, tied to Leicester City’s potential promotion to the Premier League. Despite this compromise, complications arose due to Financial Fair Play concerns and issues related to Sensi’s work permit.
FFP Challenges and Divergent Opinions at Leicester City
Inter’s directors—Marotta, Ausilio, and Baccin—reportedly aimed to assist Leicester City in navigating strict financial checks imposed by the league. Despite their efforts, the FFP hurdles, coupled with uncertainties surrounding Sensi’s work permit, contributed significantly to the collapse of the transfer.
While coach Enzo Maresca actively advocated for Sensi’s signing, internal opinions at Leicester City were divided. The English club, having altered the terms of the agreement multiple times, demonstrated hesitancy, ultimately leading to the breakdown of the deal. This uncertainty surrounding Sensi’s potential move has now prompted the midfielder to return to Inter, where he is expected to see out his contract until its expiration in June. The intricacies of this failed transfer highlight the complexities and challenges that can arise in the ever-dynamic landscape of football negotiations.
