Juventus are thinking about Mike Maignan as the future of their goal. That’s the headline from today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, which turned a quiet international break morning into a storm. According to the paper, the Bianconeri have set their sights on Milan’s captain and France’s first-choice goalkeeper for next summer, when he could leave on a free transfer. For now, it’s only an early interest, but it could grow in the coming weeks if, as expected, renewal talks with Milan remain stalled.
Renewal blocked
The Maignan-Milan situation is clearer than it seems, though not in a positive sense for Rossoneri fans. As Gazzetta reports, negotiations between the Frenchman’s camp and the club have been frozen for months, at least since February, when the Milan board halted an agreement that had already been reached for an extension. Today, Maignan’s future looks set to end with his contract expiring in June 2026, which means he can leave the club after five years on a free transfer. Last summer, he was close to joining Chelsea before Allegri vetoed the move. Milan’s last hope now lies with the coach from Livorno, who might persuade the goalkeeper to reconsider.
Juventus assessment:
This is where Juventus enter the picture. It’s too early to call it a concrete move since we’re only in early October, but internal evaluations are underway led by the Comolli-Chiellini duo. Much will depend on Maignan’s financial demands, he currently earns 2.8 million euros per year at Milan, and on the level of competition expected. Chelsea could return to the race, and Bayern Munich are also considering him as a possible successor to Manuel Neuer.
Maignan appeals not only for his technical quality, which is undisputed, but also for his leadership and strong personality, traits Juventus believe are lacking in their dressing room. It’s still early, but the club has already placed its chip on the table.
