The number one question in the construction of the new Milan is precisely the one concerning the goalkeeper: Will Mike Maignan return to being "Magic," earning himself a renewal, or have his superpowers run out, forcing Milan to look for a replacement?
Milan—and before them, Lille—built their domestic successes on the saves of the Frenchman, nicknamed "Magic Eagle" for the way he flew between the posts. The 2022 Scudetto saw him as a protagonist, second only to Rafa Leão. The following season was compromised by muscle injuries, and in the one after that (2023-24), Maignan was less "flying" but still decisive in some situations. In the current league campaign, as well as in the Champions League, which ended in February, Mike has been far less helpful. In fact, an error in the first of the two playoff matches against Feyenoord made the path steeper: Theo’s red card in the return leg made the climb even harder. And indeed, Milan ended up exiting the competition.
Igor Paixão, the Brazilian from Feyenoord, had beaten Maignan at his near post in the early minutes of the match in the Netherlands. Other links in this unlucky chain included his lapse in Como on Diao’s opening goal, his lack of sharpness on Cagliari’s equalizer at San Siro (scored by Zortea), and his imperfect positioning against Weah in Turin against Juventus. After the Champions League mistake came more recent errors against Torino: the clearance straight at Thiaw and the shocking own goal. Or the challenge on Isaksen that led to the decisive penalty for Lazio’s win at San Siro in early March.
However, there is another, very recent version: last night, Maignan saved a penalty in Croatia-France against Kramaric—an intervention with his foot to close off the goal. Many times in the past, he had managed to lock down Milan’s goal. Mike also knows how to raise his voice, dictate the tempo of the defensive line, and guide his teammates in setting up the wall when Milan takes free kicks—he even pushes up to midfield to give instructions.
Which of these two versions of Maignan should Milan consider in the renewal negotiations?
The goalkeeper’s contract with the club expires in the summer of 2026, and a decision must be made one way or another. The path to an extension had already been taken weeks ago, nearly reaching the finish line. The agreement, in addition to two more years on the contract, included a raise from his current salary of €3.5 million plus performance-related bonuses. But due to the less brilliant version of Maignan, that same agreement is now being reconsidered—his performances no longer justified the expense, as relayed via La Gazzetta dello Sport.
On the other hand, Milan could make a profit from a potential sale of Maignan. He was bought for €13 million in the summer of 2021, arriving from Ligue 1 champion Lille as Donnarumma’s heir. At the time, Gigio was still in the squad and undecided about renewing—he would later leave on a free transfer, without being missed. The void in goal was more than filled by Mike. Today, his value has grown, nearly tripled: approaching 30 years old, he would not leave for less than €35 million. The final stretch of the season will be decisive, and once again, the pitch will deliver the verdict. If Maignan wants to remain a Rossonero, he must provide new demonstrations of reliability—Milan’s European resurgence depends on his saves. Otherwise, a new chapter will have to be written.
