Tiémoué Bakayoko, the French midfielder on loan from Chelsea, had a tumultuous January in 2023. He was constantly on the verge of leaving AC Milan, with his bags packed and ready to go. Despite this, he remained at Milanello, ready to play for the Rossoneri. Head coach Stefano Pioli praised Bakayoko as "an experienced player who gives us physicality," acknowledging his importance to the team.
Bakayoko had been the subject of several transfer rumors in the winter window, with some European clubs pushing and vying for his signature. First, it was Vincenzo Montella's Adana Demirspor who made an insistent push for the midfielder. Bakayoko appeared ready to accept the Turkish club's offer, but a sudden change of heart led him to hold out for other proposals.
Two offers quickly after arrived from Cremonese and Olympique Lyon, respectively. While the Italian club drafted a preliminary agreement, the owner ultimately vetoed the deal, as per Grandhotelcalciomercato.com. The French club, meanwhile, failed to reach a definitive agreement despite their best efforts. With just 24 hours left before the deadline, it seemed as though Bakayoko's future was uncertain.
As the clock ticked down, Adana Demirspor made another attempt to sign the midfielder. While both parties were initially optimistic, negotiations ultimately broke down after a few days. In the end, Bakayoko remained at Milan, settling his locker and preparing to give his all for the Rossoneri in the second half of the season.
