Inter Milan have announced that Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij has signed a new two-year deal with the Nerazzurri.
The 31-year-old became a free agent at the end of June after running down his previous deal and had been linked with a move away from San Siro for some time.
Tottenham Hotspur were believed to have been keeping tabs on De Vrij during Antonio Conte’s spell in charge, although the Lilywhites have since turned their attention to alternative targets.
Manchester United were also credited with an interest in a cut-price deal for the former Lazio man, while West Ham United was touted as a possible destination this month.
Other unnamed clubs were believed to have also made enquiries over a possible free transfer, but De Vrij remains a valued member of Simone Inzaghi’s squad, in spite of growing competition for places at the back.
Rather than try his hand at Premier League football, De Vrij has committed the next two years of his career to Inter, penning an extension until 2025 to keep him at the club until after his 33rd birthday.
In a social media message to the Nerazzurri faithful, De Vrij said: “Hi Inter fans, I’m happy to keep defending these colours. See you at San Siro. Forza Inter!”
De Vrij will reportedly remain on the yearly €4m (£3.4m) wages he previously pocketed at Inter, whom he has represented since leaving Lazio on a free transfer in 2018.
The former Feyenoord man has donned the black and blue of Inter on 203 occasions in all competitions, scoring nine goals and setting up seven more over the past five years.
De Vrij was a prominent member of Conte’s 2020-21 Serie A-winning team, while he has also clinched two Coppa Italia crowns and two Supercoppa Italiana titles with Inter.
The Netherlands international scored once in 38 games during the 2022-23 campaign, although he only started three Champions League matches and was an unused substitute in their final defeat to Manchester
De Vrij’s renewal comes after fellow centre-back Alessandro Bastoni committed his future to the club until 2028, while Francesco Acerbi’s loan move from Lazio has been converted into a permanent deal.
However, Milan Skriniar’s move to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer was confirmed on Thursday, while number one goalkeeper Andre Onana is apparently closing in on a switch to Manchester United.
