Tomorrow officially begins the winter transfer window in Italy, lasting until 8:00 PM (GMT+1) on February 1, 2024. It is fair to point out that the mercato will be conditioned with the cancellation of the Growth Decree. The Rossoneri, though, will try to seize some opportunities by investing in the best way they can.
Another situation to monitor is contract renewals: those who have already signed an agreement using the Growth Decree will continue to benefit from it until their contracts expiration dates.
As for renewals and extensions, there's currently a grey area: as explained by lawyer Felice Raimondo on Twitter, the Revenue Agency might express its opinion on the matter. It'll be crucial to understand if the Growth Decree can remain active for contracts that already include it and are extended (continuation of the employment relationship without changing salary, bonuses, etc.) or even for those that are renewed, thus seeing changes in previously agreed economic terms (such as increases, etc.).
As pointed out by Milan News, the Rossoneri obviously need two defenders and possibly a midfielder. The first centre-back to arrive will be Matteo Gabbia, returning from loan at Villarreal: it's yet to be seen if he'll be in Italy tonight or at the latest tomorrow morning.
Other names are also being evaluated, waiting to understand which operation might take off or not: we're talking about Lenglet, Kelly (more likely for June), and Lilian Brassier. Regarding Juan Miranda: it's unlikely that Milan will pay the compensation demanded by Betis to release him in January, but he's certainly a viable option for June on a free transfer.
As for the midfield, much revolves around Rade Krunic, who didn't play in the last Serie A match against Sassuolo due to general back discomfort. Fenerbahce is interested, and it's known that Milan won't let him go for free. Lyon is also eyeing him, and the situation is straightforward: whoever brings the offer considered right, around 5-6 million euros for a permanent transfer, will buy him.
There isn't yet a name for a potential replacement; Guido Rodriguez was liked, but he's injured and will be out for a while.
In the attacking department: Serhou Guirassy from Stuttgart is highly regarded. The Guinean, with a French passport, has an appealing release clause of 17 million euros. Consequently, there's no shortage of competition: he has admirers in the Premier League as well. However, difficulties arise when it comes to wages: the player asks for between 4 and 5 million euros, without the Growth Decree, meaning gross wages between 7.5 and 9.4 million euros per year. Coupled with a potential amortization of 3.7 million euros per year over a 4.5-year contract, the annual cost reaches between 11.2 and 13.1 million euros. Clearly, these figures are beyond the set parameters.
Finally, Matija Popovic: the attacking midfielder born in 2006 has been released from Partizan Belgrade, and Milan is waiting for him to turn 18 on January 8 to sign him to a contract until June 30, 2028. However, Casa Milan urges caution as the Serbian is a free agent drawing interest from many important clubs.
Source: Milan News
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