Topalovic next in line? Inter consider Cesena loan or Stankovic-style buy-back pathway

Inter’s youth pipeline continues to produce intriguing talent, and Luka Topalovic is quickly moving up the internal ladder.

As reported by Planet Nogomet, Inter are considering sending the 2006-born Slovenian midfielder out on loan — with Cesena named as a possible Serie B landing spot. The key detail, though, is not just the destination: it’s the formula.

Inter want development — without losing control

Inter’s priority is clear: they believe in Topalovic’s potential and do not want to lose control of his progression. That’s why the club would prefer:

• a straight loan, or

• a transfer structured with a buy-back clause, mirroring the kind of protective approach Inter have used in similar youth pathways — notably the Aleksandar Stankovic model.

For Inter, it’s the best of both worlds: a young player gets consistent senior minutes, while the club keeps the option to bring him back once he’s ready for a bigger role.

Why Topalovic is being noticed now

Topalovic’s performances have started to resonate beyond the Under-23 context. His assist for Andy Diouf’s goal against Bologna is highlighted as a moment that didn’t go unnoticed — a small but meaningful sign that he can impact games even when stepping up levels.

After spending last season with Inter’s Under-23 side, he has now put himself in a position where the next move matters: either stay close to the first team, or go out and build momentum in a demanding league like Serie B.

Preseason with Chivu: the first audition

Before any final decision is made, Topalovic is expected to join Cristian Chivu’s first-team preseason. And with several senior players away on World Cup duty, the opportunity is real: fewer bodies in training often means more minutes, more experimentation, and a clearer runway for younger players to prove they belong.

If Topalovic impresses, Inter could delay any move. If not, a structured loan — potentially to Cesena — may become the ideal next step.

This is exactly the kind of situation Inter have increasingly handled with maturity: develop the asset, protect the rights, and keep the door open for a return. Whether it’s a clean loan or a Stankovic-style buy-back operation, the underlying logic is the same — Topalovic is being prepared, not sold off.