Thursday, the contract signing that could run until 2029 (a two-year deal with an option for both 2027–28 and 2028–29 tied to winning the league); yesterday morning, Milan made the official announcement, and in the afternoon, the first transfer summit took place with sporting director Tare, who will be in Munich tonight for the Champions League final. Max Allegri has already begun sketching out the version of the team he envisions. That's why he doesn’t want to waste time.
First topic in the meeting with the Albanian director: the situation of the team’s senior players. Leao, Maignan, but also (and above all) Theo Hernandez, whose agent, Manuel Garcia Quilon, was at Casa Milan yesterday. The French full-back’s contract is expiring, and he is increasingly seriously considering a new adventure elsewhere. A renewal? Practically to be ruled out: he initially asked for €8 million net per year, while the club – after a poor season from him – is offering 4. Staying until the contract expires? Possible, but it’s more likely that the paths will part. However, the sale must come at a price that reflects the player's value.
How should Al-Hilal offer for Theo Hernandez from AC Milan?
In January, Milan received an offer of over €40 million from Como, which was then rejected by Hernandez himself. Now, however, Theo has caught the eye of the Saudis at Al-Hilal. So far, it’s the only club that has concretely stepped forward for the former Real Madrid man (not yet with Milan), mainly because they want to build a team for the Club World Cup. In short: from now until June 10 (the final day of the special transfer window opened by FIFA before the start of the tournament in the U.S.), Al-Hilal will have to satisfy the Rossoneri club with an offer for the player’s transfer, and then convince Theo. It’s especially this second part that is the most complex. Because while it’s true that the Saudis have the financial power to offer a hefty salary, Hernandez might prefer to wait until summer to see if a major European club comes forward—he might not want to leave top-level football at just 27 years old. The underlying question is obvious: if the Frenchman says no to the Saudis, will another truly adequate offer then come in?
Milan, talks with Mike Maignan
The ex Lille goalkeeper has a contract situation similar to that of his national teammate, but in his case, Milan’s will (and Allegri’s in particular) is to continue together, sealing a renewal. The coach and Tare will soon speak with him to understand what the French goalkeeper has in mind. Then, if necessary, the club will return to the scene—having reached an agreement with him in recent months for over €5 million per season. But the fluctuating performances of Magic Mike (and some concerns about his athletic condition not always being up to par) convinced the club to put on the brakes. Now, talks might reopen—or the paths could split, perhaps with Maignan heading to the Premier League. Where? If United sells Onana, maybe...
Rafael Leao the leader...
One who will instead be the cornerstone of the Milan to come is Leao. Allegri is convinced that the Portuguese is one of the few who can make a difference in Serie A, and he wants to make him the team’s technical leader. Of course, he needs to find more consistency in his performances. And Max is convinced he can help him in that mission, helping him take a further step forward, especially mentally. One thing’s certain: Leao is not for sale.
What about the situation of the other Milan players?
The new coach also had the chance to discuss other players in the squad with Tare. Jimenez? He is considered more of an attacking wide player than a full-back, which is why Milan will likely move for reinforcements on both the right and left flanks in defense. Saelemaekers returning from Roma? A profile Allegri likes, and he’d like to keep him in the squad due to his versatility. Likewise, the Livorno-born coach believes he can improve Pavlovic, whose grit and physical qualities he appreciates, though he also wants to add a center-back to the group—especially if at least one between Thiaw and Tomori leaves.
Credit: La Gazzetta dello Sport
