Alessandro Florenzi's departure from Milan seems imminent, with the right-back set to leave the Rossoneri after an up-and-down experience.
The former Paris Saint-Germain player has had a Milan career marked by highs and lows, frequent injuries, and defensive competition that prevented him from establishing himself as a regular starter.
In addition to evaluating his on-field performance, it is also interesting to analyze the financial impact of his transfer on the club's balance sheets.
In 2021, Milan welcomed Alessandro Florenzi on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, with a buy option set at around €4.5 million.
His arrival was met with enthusiasm, as he could also play as a winger. However, despite a few good performances early on, his time was marred by frequent injuries.
On July 1, 2022, Florenzi was redeemed by Milan for €4.5 million and signed a contract until 2025. But his second season with Milan was largely affected by a serious injury to the left hamstring tendon, sustained during the 0-0 match against Sassuolo on August 30.
This injury kept him sidelined for more than six months, with Florenzi only returning to play on March 13, 2023, against Salernitana.
Despite the injury, the 2022/2023 season also saw a significant moment for Florenzi, as he became the first Italian player to reach the Champions League semifinals three times with three different teams, first with Roma in 2018 and PSG in 2021.
His second season at Milan, however, ended with just six Serie A appearances, few of them as a starter, due to physical issues and fierce competition, with Davide Calabria establishing himself as the first-choice right-back.
The knee injury: another blow to Florenzi's career
However, the start of the 2024/2025 season brought another setback for the former Roma captain. During the summer training camp, he injured his right knee, suffering a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament and lateral meniscus.
On August 2, 2024, he underwent arthroscopic surgery for ligament reconstruction and meniscus repair, with a long recovery period expected. This new injury further jeopardized his future at Milan, as the club may consider selling him.
The total cost of the Florenzi operation amounts to €6 million on the books, including the €1.5 million paid for the loan and the €4.5 million purchase option in 2022. However, his physical issues and failure to establish himself as a regular starter have resulted in a lower-than-expected financial return on the investment. While Milan values Florenzi's experience, the club may look to sell him to ease their wage bill.
The imminent sale and Florenzi's future:
In summary, the 33-year-old's departure from Milan seems to be a matter of time. His career with the Rossoneri has been marked by highs and lows, with important moments of quality but also numerous injuries.
While his cost on the books is not among the highest, his sale would represent a pragmatic move for Milan.
Source: PianetaMilan.it
