In recent hours, a topic that many of us hoped had been definitively closed has returned to relevance. Mike Maignan and his very personal relationship with the Udinese fans—not all of them, of course, but certainly an extreme fringe that puts the reputation of an entire city and fan base at risk. One of the most civil towns in Italy, among those with the highest quality of life, was shaken during the past football season by the racism incident, with vulgar chants and insults directed at the Rossoneri goalkeeper during the match between Udinese and Milan, which ended 3-2 in favor of the team then coached by Stefano Pioli.
We all know what happened, but few are aware of the shameful decision by the Udine city council to withdraw the proposal—previously made by the Mayor—regarding an honorary citizenship that would have honored Magic Mike. And, as if it were his fault, adding insult to injury, the starting goalkeeper of the French national team has been the target of a hate campaign by much of the Friulian fan base, who also thought it appropriate to anticipate Milan’s arrival in Friuli with that shameful banner recently displayed on a city overpass. So tomorrow evening, for these reasons as well, an Udinese-Milan clash will be played in a high-tension atmosphere, with the Rossoneri goalkeeper as the number one person under scrutiny.
Maignan, ups and downs. But the value remains absolute
In the meantime, Mike Maignan has gone back to doing what he does best. Exceptional saves and feats of absolute value have marked the French goalkeeper’s latest performances, who, between the first-leg Coppa Italia derby against Inter and the league match against Fiorentina, once again demonstrated all his worth, pulling off miracles worthy of the best Maignan. That same Maignan we had become accustomed to during his first two seasons in the Rossoneri jersey—especially the first, the Scudetto-winning one—the one that made us instantly forget Gigio Donnarumma and his betrayal. Bought for 13 million euros from Lille, thanks to one of many transfer market insights by Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara, Magic Mike showed all his skill, character, and ability to lead the defense in his first months in Milan. While Milan’s season falters and tensions rise, some might seek a break from the drama. To these qualities was always added his ability to build play from the back, with some assists and long passes worthy of the best attacking midfielder.
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Then came the many injuries and a few too many errors that unfortunately plagued the last two seasons of the current Rossoneri captain—whose value, however, cannot and must not be questioned. And yet, as usual, this club, this management, staying true to its typical approximate and toothless planning, has managed yet another difficult feat.
Maignan, the offensive lowball offer for a leader and captain
After it seemed in December that Mike Maignan’s renewal was a mere formality and only waiting to be signed—just like what happened later with Tijjani Reijnders—the situation is now in a dangerously stalled and rather grotesque and shameful phase. As shameful as the lowball offer that, according to some authoritative transfer sources close to the club, Milan is said to have made to its goalkeeper and captain.
Maignan currently earns 3.1 million euros a year and has a contract expiring in June 2026. An agreement between the parties had reportedly been reached on the basis of five million euros fixed per season. However, Maignan’s hesitant start to 2025, with rather glaring mistakes made against Como, Cagliari, Juventus, and Feyenoord, together with the now certain failure to qualify for the next Champions League, are said to have changed the mind of the Milan management, who have restructured the offer to four million euros, plus potential bonuses tied to Champions League qualification for the 2026/2027 season, as pointed out by MilanPress.it.
This latest offer is the one currently on the table, awaiting Maignan’s response. The French goalkeeper still seems inclined to accept, convinced as he is of embracing the Rossoneri project. But the treatment reserved for the current Captain—and for someone who can still be considered among the best goalkeepers in the world—once again highlights the inadequacy of Milan’s current leadership.
