Milan, Saelemaekers has become one of the most important players for Claudio Ranieri's Roma. Since returning from injury, the Belgian has brought crucial balance to the Giallorossi and has become untouchable in the Roma squad. Six goals and three assists in 17 Serie A matches this season—more than half a goal contribution per game played. And the Giallorossi are flying in the league, making a comeback after a disastrous start to the season. Very important numbers for the Belgian, whose card still remains owned by Milan.
In fact, the Rossoneri and Giallorossi completed the transfer deal at the last moment of the summer transfer window: Saelemaekers to Roma and Abraham to Milan, but on a dry loan, with no written options or obligations. According to the latest reports, the Rossoneri management requested €20-25 million from Roma for the Belgian but failed to reach an agreement. The question naturally arises:
Why not bring Saelemaekers back to Milanello and keep him?
Milan has spent the entire season looking for an attacking winger who could provide balance and stability to the team. Saelemaekers has more than proven he can do that, and not only that: if he had already grown under Thiago Motta at Bologna, with Ranieri at Roma, he has showcased great finishing ability and creativity for his teammates, as relayed via PianetaMilan.it.
Next season, Milan could change coaches, with increasingly persistent rumors about Massimiliano Allegri. If the former Juventus manager were to return to the Rossoneri, he might request to keep the Belgian, who would be a perfect fit for his more defensive and structured style of play. For Max Allegri, he could be the ideal winger to place on the opposite side of an extremely attacking player like Leão.
The Rossoneri management will have to carefully evaluate their next move: with a new sporting director and a new coach, Saelemaekers' fate could change—and perhaps they won’t make the mistake of letting him go again.
