Ryan Nolan has joined Serie C side Arezzo, departing Inter Milan on a permanent deal.
The 20-year old had been a part of the Inter academy since 2015, captaining their U19 side. He was also included in the match day squad for a couple of Europa League games last season.
With a first team breakthrough seemingly not forthcoming, the player has moved down the Italian football pyramid in search of consistent senior football.
BENVENUTO AD AREZZO, RYAN #NOLAN! 💪🏻
Qui il comunicato ▶ https://t.co/MVZLcuuGvg#sARparte #ForzArezzo
ph: fcinter1908 pic.twitter.com/QLn929dHlQ— S.S. Arezzo Calcio (@ArezzoCalcio) August 29, 2019
He almost moved to Leeds United earlier in the transfer window, and Inter have included a clause in the deal which will see them earn 50% of any future transfer fee received for the player.
While this may seem like a major drop for the Clare native, such moves are not uncommon in Italy. Young players, especially defenders, often move down the league in order to experience first team player, before moving back into the top division.
That sell on clause would also suggest Inter are very confident that the player will not spend too much time at his next club.
Nolan lived in Shannon, County Clare until he was eight-years old, at which time his family relocated to Spain. It was here that his talents would be spotted by Inter scout Pierluigi Casiragh, who convinced the player to uproot and move to Italy.
He has been capped at underage level for Ireland, but has yet to feature for the U21 side under Stephen Kenny. He has repeatedly been overlooked for players who ply their trade in Ireland or the UK, and one would assume that this move will not help his immediate international prospects.
