Theo Hernandez is not expected to start in Paulo Fonseca's team against AS Roma tomorrow, according to the latest reports.
Born in 1997, Theo Hernandez joined Milan for €22.8 million from Real Madrid in the summer transfer window of 2019. His contract, worth €4 million net per year, expires in June 2026. In his sixth season in Italy, he has made 232 appearances for Milan, scoring 31 goals, providing 41 assists, receiving 55 yellow cards, and 5 red cards: 3 direct and 2 for double yellow cards. So far this season, he has made 19 appearances with 2 goals, 2 assists, 2 yellow cards, and 1 red card. Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Real Madrid are said to be tracking him, as pointed out by Calciomercato.com.
But what does the club ownership think?
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Gerry Cardinale sees Theo Hernandez's contract renewal as essential, regardless of market developments.
It would be the Portuguese coach at risk. As reported by the Italian newspaper, Milan's results in the 2024/2025 season cannot even be considered sufficient, especially in the league. The eighth-place position is well below expectations, and if the course doesn't improve, Fonseca would be the first to pay.
Perhaps not the only one, as Geoffrey Moncada, the technical director, has a contract expiring in June.
What about Zlatan Ibrahimovic?
According to the same source, despite having responsibility for technical decisions, he remains Cardinale's trusted man. In recent weeks, Zlatan has supported Fonseca, adopting a new strategy: giving the coach space in communication, both internally (in the locker room and Milanello) and externally (with the media), to further legitimize him in the eyes of the players.
The message is clear: Milan still stands with Paulo, at least until the situation becomes irreparable. Zlatan, like the entire management and team, still firmly believes that the season can take a turn. Perhaps starting with the Supercoppa in Riyadh, an opportunity to give Cardinale his first trophy as Milan's owner and dampen the criticism from fans.
It wouldn't just be another title to add to the club's exceptional trophy cabinet, but a boost of confidence for everyone, starting with Fonseca.
