Pavard & Inter destined for split after Marseille loan woes & Theo Hernandez panel photo

Benjamin Pavard’s time at Inter Milan is over, with the French defender set to return to the club this summer only to be moved on immediately after a disappointing loan spell at Marseille and a falling out with the dressing room that proved impossible to repair.

According to Tuttosport, via FCInter1908, Marseille will not exercise their €15 million purchase option, meaning Pavard returns to Inter with two years remaining on a €5 million per season contract, a wage that makes him a difficult sell.

Inter have already made clear to the player that a continuation in Milan is not part of their plans.

The breakdown began during the Club World Cup, when Pavard was sidelined with an ankle injury. Photos emerged of him playing padel alongside Theo Hernandez, then of Milan, while Inter were competing in the tournament.

The optics were damaging and the dressing room reaction was swift. The rift with teammates preceded a formal falling out with the club, and although Pavard started the opening Serie A fixture of the season against Torino, the writing was already on the wall.

He was subsequently loaned to Marseille, where he failed to convince, and Inter moved on without him, signing Akanji in his place to considerable success.

Pavard will return to Appiano Gentile this summer, but only as a temporary arrangement while a new destination is found. His Inter chapter is closed permanently.