Stefan de Vrij Departs Inter Milan, Joins Panathinaikos on Free Transfer

FolioPitch.com – 27 June 2026 | In a move that had been anticipated for weeks, veteran defender Stefan de Vrij says goodbye to Inter will join Panathinaikos as free agent. The 34-year-old Dutch international has agreed to a one-year contract with an option for a second with the Greek Super League side, worth €3 million per season net. The deal is expected to be officially announced on Monday after de Vrij puts pen to paper.

De Vrij’s departure from Inter Milan marks the end of an eight-year stint in Serie A. He initially joined Lazio from Feyenoord in 2014 before moving to Inter as a free agent in 2018. During his time at San Siro, he made over 300 Serie A appearances and won multiple titles, including the Serie A and Coppa Italia double this season. However, playing time became limited, and the Dutchman sought a new challenge.

De Vrij’s experience will be invaluable to Panathinaikos as they aim to challenge for the Greek title and make an impact in European competitions. The club finished third in the Super League last season and strengthened their defense with this acquisition. The player’s leadership and composure on the ball are expected to bolster the backline significantly.

This season, de Vrij made 17 competitive appearances for Inter, contributing to their domestic double. He was also set to feature for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup but withdrew due to injury. Now fully recovered, he looks forward to a new chapter. The narrative of ‘De Vrij says goodbye to Inter will join Panathinaikos as free agent’ underscores a trend of veteran players seeking new experiences after long tenures at top clubs.

For Inter, the departure frees up wage budget and allows younger talents like Alessandro Bastoni to remain central. The club wished de Vrij well in a brief statement. Panathinaikos fans have already welcomed the signing on social media, expecting the defender to bring solidity and international class.

In conclusion, Stefan de Vrij’s move represents a calculated step in his career. At 34, he still has plenty to offer, and the Greek league provides a competitive environment where he can continue to play regularly. The transfer highlights the shifting dynamics of European football, where experience often seeks new frontiers. As de Vrij says goodbye to Inter will join Panathinaikos as free agent, both clubs move forward with their respective plans.