Theo Hernandez, the full-back with the record for most goals scored by a Rossoneri defender in the league, has now set another record: he ensured that Milan lost the chance to qualify for the Champions League Round of 16 with a simulation-induced red card that, in the VAR era, is utterly illogical. Furthermore, in 32 appearances for Milan in Europe's elite competition, Theo has never managed to score: he is unlikely to get another opportunity.
End of Theo's story at Milan?
There are only two paths: either Theo finds another team in the summer and moves in that direction (provided a suitable offer arrives), or the club takes an alternative route—letting his contract run down until its expiration in June 2026. In that case, Hernandez would leave as a free agent. His performances leave no room for a third option: a contract renewal is unfeasible, as Theo demands a significant salary increase to extend his deal.
This is a common practice. New contracts and higher wages often go hand in hand. But he should be progressing at the same speed on the pitch, where instead, Hernandez has hit the brakes for quite some time.
Theo's apology
Two nights ago against Feyenoord, he literally froze on the San Siro pitch: he attempted to draw contact for a penalty, but referee Marciniak punished him with a second yellow for simulation, leading to a red card just over five minutes into the second half. Milan, in the midst of a comeback attempt after going behind to the Dutch side, saw their match end right there.
This is why, yesterday, Theo apologized first to his teammates in the locker room—where he was reportedly sincerely shaken—and then to the fans through an Instagram post:
"Football is unpredictable: it brings us great joy but also painful moments. Today, I feel immense frustration. I apologize to my teammates for leaving them with 10 men, and I apologize to the fans who always support us. But this club is a family, and together, we will bounce back. We all have to rise together—starting with me. Forza Milan."
Tuesday night's mistake was just the latest link in a long chain this season. He was at fault for both of Parma’s goals in Milan’s first away defeat of the season, and he was involved, along with Leao, in rebelling against the cooling break in the match at Lazio late last August.
Autumn brought no improvement: against Fiorentina, he conceded a penalty, then snatched the spot-kick from Pulisic and missed. Later, he received his first red card of the season for dissent in stoppage time, earning a two-match suspension.
At Cagliari, he was dominated by Zortea for the entire match. Against Atalanta, he was overpowered by De Ketelaere on the first goal conceded by Milan.
Fonseca benched him for two games, but when he returned to the field, nothing had changed: he shared responsibility for Cagliari's goal in the reverse fixture at San Siro and let Diao escape him in Como’s goal—before finally scoring in that match with a stroke of sheer luck. In Milan-Parma, he was to blame for the visitors' first goal, leading to Conceição subbing him off at halftime. The captain's armband had already been taken away from him by the coach and given to Maignan.
Beyond the errors, his attitude is the real issue—more serious and compromising: Theo seems distracted, unmotivated, and unfocused.
Theo Hernandez's situation in the market
Who would be interested in Theo Hernandez?
In January, Como had shown interest, believing that the lake’s fresh air—where Theo had lived for a while—and training under Fàbregas could help him regain his spark. They offered €8 million net to the player and nearly 50 million euros to Milan. The club was open to discussions, but Hernandez shut them down and declined the offer.
For now, there are no other suitors. Perhaps some may emerge in the summer, and Milan will be more than ready to negotiate. Otherwise, they will have no choice but to continue together for one more season—until summer 2026, when the contract expires.
To those who might argue that letting Theo leave for free would be a financial loss, the club can respond that this is simply not the time to extend his contract with a higher salary. Letting him leave for free would be a calculated risk: if Theo bounces back, a buyer may come knocking. Otherwise, renewing his contract at an inflated wage would be an unjustified investment, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The other pressing question is purely technical: will Conceição still see him as a starter? That decision is entirely up to the coach, as the club has given no directives. Sergio will have the final say. Possible candidates to replace him as early as the next match against Torino: Bartesaghi, Terracciano, or Jiménez.
