Inter Milan and Olympique Marseille have jointly announced the early termination of the loan agreement for Argentine forward Valentin Carboni due to unfortunate circumstances surrounding his health. The 19-year-old was initially loaned to Marseille last summer under significant expectations but has faced considerable setbacks since his arrival.
Carboni signed with Marseille on what was expected to be a promising season-long loan, with early reports highlighting the interest displayed by coach Roberto De Zerbi, who saw great potential in the young talent. Unfortunately, his time with the French club was hampered by injury. After making just four appearances, Carboni sustained a serious knee injury—a partial rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament—during training with the Argentina national team, forcing him to end his campaign prematurely.
The injury occurred on October 12, 2024, during one of his first few outings, effectively cancelling the potential benefits both clubs hoped for from this arrangement. Originally, the loan was structured as a paid move worth one million euros, with the option for Marseille to purchase him outright for 36 million euros, plus additional bonuses. Sadly for all parties involved, Carboni's inability to perform professionally due to injury nullified any future deal.
Inter Milan broke the news of Carboni's return on February 11, 2025. The club's official statement read, "FC Internazionale Milano comunica che, a seguito delle discussioni con l'Olympique de Marseille e il calciatore, è stato raggiunto l'accordo per la risoluzione anticipata del prestito di Valentin Carboni, attaccante argentino classe 2005." This announcement marks the completion of the loan deal, allowing him to focus on extensive rehabilitation under the supervision of Inter’s medical staff.
His recuperation is now set to take place back at the San Siro, with close monitoring from the Inter medical team. Should his recovery proceed smoothly, there is optimism about his availability for the Club World Cup scheduled to occur later this year. The Inter management is hopeful of reintegrations, especially as opportunities may arise with the potential absence of some key forwards like Joaquín Correa and Marko Arnautovic due to contract issues.
Despite the challenges this season, the future remains bright for Carboni. His early exit signals not just the end of his Marseille stint but also the beginning of potential new pathways for the young player. The management of Inter Milan is now faced with decisions concerning his next steps. Options on the table include keeping him within the squad to evaluate his progress under coach Simone Inzaghi or considering another loan spell aimed at gaining him valuable playing time next season. A loan agreement could be negotiated with Marseille again, albeit under different financial terms.
The urgency to make this decision is compounded by the potential need for squad overhaul, should the current injuries of key players lead to greater gaps to fill. Carboni's previous performances, before injury, at Monza had shown promise, and it was anticipated during this loan period he would develop significantly within the tough environment at Marseille.
All focus will now be on how effectively and swiftly he can recover, making him eligible to feature prominently as Inter embarks on additional competitions. His status and performance over the next few months will be closely monitored, as both fans and management hope he can regain full fitness and eventually shine, either as part of Inter's squad or via another loan deal aimed at enhancing his skills and exposure.
This upcoming period is critically significant for Valentin Carboni, as the choices surrounding his future—whether to integrate him fully back at Inter, send him on loan again or prepare for transfer negotiations—will inevitably shape his career's direction moving forward.