A move between present and future. Inter is making several in recent weeks, as a direct input from the new Oaktree ownership. And the next one will be Tomas Palacios. But who is the central defender arriving from South America? Born on April 28, 2003 in General Pico, La Pampa, he is a defender with a great physique: 196 centimeters, left-footed, characteristics that make him a very interesting profile.
The career
He began his professional career in the youth sector of Talleres (C), with whom he signed his first professional contract on November 14, 2021. His first-team debut for Talleres took place on April 9, 2022, in a loss to Defensa y Justicia. In January 2024, Palacios was loaned to Independiente Rivadavia, where he continued to mature as a player. His presence at Independiente Rivadavia attracted the attention of European clubs, certainly due to his physical strength, his tactical maturity, and his ability to play as a central defender and in the final minutes… To be moved when needed also as a tower in the opponent’s area.
Costs and prospects
His contract is still owned by Talleres, but Independiente Rivadavia has a buy-back option that they could (and will) exercise. Palacios has also represented Argentina at youth level, with five appearances for the Under-20s in 2022, demonstrating his value at international level as well. His career is still in its early stages, but he is already emerging as a player to keep an eye on, both for his technical qualities and his physical development. Inter are negotiating directly with Talleres and are aiming to close the deal at 5-6 million euros to give Simone Inzaghi a ‘new Bisseck’ and an alternative between present and future to Alessandro Bastoni as a left-hander.