Inter Milan have taken a decisive step to strengthen their attacking options with the acquisition of Brazilian forward Luis Henrique from Olympique de Marseille. The 23-year-old arrives after an impressive Ligue 1 campaign, and while Inter haven’t disclosed the exact terms, Italian outlets report that the deal is worth €23 million upfront, with an additional €2 million in performance-based bonuses. The move is seen as a critical reinforcement for Inter, who are aiming to rebound after a heavy Champions League final defeat and a second-place Serie A finish.

Henrique’s Arrival Signals Inter’s Intentions

A Long-Term Investment in Youth and Versatility
Luis Henrique has signed a contract that reportedly ties him to Inter until 2030, marking a bold investment in a player whose best years may lie ahead. Still only 23, Henrique has already amassed significant experience in European football. His recent uptick in form—scoring 9 of his 11 total goals for Marseille during the 2024–25 season—indicates a player maturing into his potential.

Inter’s technical leadership has long sought to infuse fresh, dynamic talent into a squad that looked fatigued at the tail end of last season. Henrique’s pace, ability to operate across the front line, and growing composure in front of goal could provide exactly the injection of creativity and energy that the Nerazzurri need.

From Rio to the San Siro: Henrique’s Football Journey

From Botafogo Roots to Marseille’s Mainstay
Luis Henrique’s footballing story began in Brazil with Botafogo, where his flair and technique quickly caught the eye of European scouts. In 2020, he made the move to Marseille, joining a club that historically provides a platform for South American talent to blossom in Europe.

Over four seasons at the French club, Henrique made 108 appearances, steadily developing his tactical awareness and finishing touch. It was the 2024–25 campaign, however, that marked his breakout year in front of goal, contributing significantly as Marseille secured a second-place finish in Ligue 1. That form evidently convinced Inter’s recruitment team that Henrique was ready for a bigger stage.

Inter Looking to Rebound After Devastating Final Loss

5-0 Champions League Final Defeat Still Fresh
Inter’s season ended on a bitter note with a 5-0 demolition by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final—a result that sent shockwaves through Italian football. For a side known for its defensive rigidity and big-game mentality, the defeat laid bare the need for reinvention and fresh attacking ideas.

The addition of Henrique is part of that broader recalibration. With his flair, dribbling ability, and recent scoring form, the Brazilian forward offers a new dimension to Inter’s attacking arsenal—one that manager Simone Inzaghi will hope brings more variety and unpredictability in the final third.

What Henrique Brings to Inter’s Front Line

Pace, Creativity, and Tactical Flexibility
Henrique is a naturally left-sided forward who is equally comfortable cutting inside or providing width. His acceleration allows him to beat defenders in one-on-one situations, while his growing confidence in front of goal suggests he can contribute consistently on the scoresheet.

Moreover, his tactical discipline honed in Ligue 1 should ease his transition to Serie A, a league known for its defensive complexity. At Marseille, Henrique demonstrated an ability to press, track back, and adapt to different roles across the attacking line—a versatility that will be invaluable for a side competing on multiple fronts, including Serie A, Champions League, and the upcoming Club World Cup.

Inter’s Club World Cup Campaign Kicks Off Soon

Henrique Could Debut Against Monterrey
Inter’s next challenge lies in the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on June 17 in Los Angeles. Their opening fixture pits them against Monterrey, the Mexican powerhouse known for physical play and high pressing. Inter will then face Urawa Red Diamonds and River Plate in Seattle—two teams that bring contrasting styles and rich continental pedigrees.

It remains to be seen whether Henrique will feature immediately, but his presence in the squad offers a tantalizing new weapon for Inzaghi. The tournament could serve as a valuable integration platform for the Brazilian, providing a competitive yet controlled environment to showcase his skills on a global stage.

Strategic Takeaways: What This Transfer Means for Inter

Youth Focus and Squad Revamp Underway
Inter’s decision to invest in Henrique reflects a broader shift in strategy—targeting young, high-upside players who can grow within the club’s system. After a season that ended with silverware eluding them both domestically and in Europe, the club’s leadership appears committed to evolving the squad and building for sustained success.

Additionally, Henrique’s signing underscores Inter’s understanding of the modern game’s demands. Speed, flexibility, and offensive depth are no longer luxuries but necessities. With Napoli having taken the Serie A crown and PSG setting the standard in Europe, Inter cannot afford to stand still.

Henrique’s Move Carries High Expectations

For Inter Milan, the signing of Luis Henrique isn’t merely a response to recent failures—it’s a signal of ambition and forward thinking. In bringing in a 23-year-old with top-level European experience, a breakout season behind him, and the physical tools to thrive in Serie A, Inter is making a clear statement: the next era starts now.