Yann Sommer is proving to be one of the best value-for-money signings in recent European football. Signed for just €6.8 million from Bayern Munich after Inter Milan sold Andre Onana to Manchester United for €51.4 million, the Swiss veteran has shown exactly why smart recruitment often trumps big spending.
After his match-winning heroics against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final, it’s safe to say that Yann Sommer has officially arrived at the very top of the football world.
While Inter Milan’s entire squad put in a massive shift to overcome the Spanish giants, Sommer’s saves were the difference between heartbreak and a trip to the final.
Yann Sommer: From Bargain Buy to Inter Milan’s Backbone
When Inter let Andre Onana leave for Manchester United, many wondered if the Italian giants were taking a step back. Onana had helped them reach the Champions League final in 2023 and was one of the best keepers in Europe at the time. But Inter acted quickly, securing Yann Sommer for a fraction of the price.
Inter signed Yann Sommer for just €6 million after selling André Onana to Man United for €50 million in 2023.
The 36-year-old made 14 saves across the two legs vs. Barcelona (second most in UCL semifinal in the last 15 seasons) and was named MOTM in the second leg.
Class pic.twitter.com/ZJdOx03Wgp
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 6, 2025
Fast-forward to now, and the decision looks like a masterstroke.
Despite being 36 years old, Yann Sommer has brought calm, leadership, and world-class shot-stopping to Inter’s backline. His 14 saves across both legs of the semi-final — seven in each match — were instrumental in knocking out Barcelona 7-6 on aggregate.
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Key Saves That Changed the Game
Sommer’s performance at San Siro in the second leg was nothing short of sensational. With Barcelona threatening a late comeback, he pulled off two saves that defied logic.
One was a point-blank stop against Eric Garcia, who looked certain to score from just yards out. The second was a fingertip stretch to deny Lamine Yamal in extra time — a save that lit up social media and sent shockwaves across Europe.
HOW DID SOMMER SAVE THAT?
HOW DID GARCIA NOT SCORE? pic.twitter.com/FxmGh3boJG
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) May 6, 2025
These were not routine stops. These were game-changing, dream-preserving saves — the kind that separate great goalkeepers from legends.
Yann Sommer’s Journey: Patience, Persistence, and Payoff
For those who have followed Yann Sommer’s career, his rise to the biggest stage is a story of patience and perseverance. Starting out at FC Basel, the Swiss keeper quietly built his craft, later spending ten seasons at Borussia Monchengladbach — often underappreciated, but always consistent.
His short stint at Bayern Munich was seen as a career wind-down, but Inter saw potential in his experience. What they got in return was a keeper who was ready for his moment — and boy, did he deliver when it mattered most.
Sommer’s story is now inspiring goalkeepers around the world. He is proof that you don’t need to be the flashiest name or the most expensive signing to reach greatness. With composure, hard work, and professionalism, he has cemented his place among the best.
Onana vs Sommer: A Business Masterclass
Inter sold Onana for €51.4 million and brought in Yann Sommer for €6.8 million. While Onana has had a mixed season at Manchester United, Sommer has helped Inter reach another Champions League final. That’s not just good business — that’s elite recruitment.
Inter’s sporting director and scouting team deserve credit for identifying that while Sommer may not have the youth or flash of Onana, he had the experience and mentality to lead this team forward. In doing so, they not only saved millions but also gained a crucial match-winner.
What sets him apart isn’t just his saves. It’s his leadership and unshakable presence. During tense moments against Barcelona, when chaos erupted in the box or momentum swung wildly, Sommer remained calm. He organized his defenders, took control of high balls, and never lost focus.
Lamine Yamal with a world-class shot, Yann Sommer with a world-class save pic.twitter.com/IrucRsSmZG
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) May 6, 2025
His calmness spread throughout the team. Players like Bastoni, Dumfries, and Acerbi fed off his presence, holding the line and trusting their man between the posts.
This kind of intangible quality — leadership under pressure — is hard to teach and even harder to replace.
Inter Milan’s Fairytale Continues
Now, Inter are one game away from lifting the biggest prize in European football. And Yann Sommer is at the heart of that story. From being a quiet signing to a full-blown Champions League Man of the Match, he’s earned his moment in the spotlight.
The road ahead won’t be easy — facing either PSG or Arsenal in the final — but with Yann Sommer in goal, Inter fans have every reason to believe.
