The AC Milan management's priority stays the renewal of Mike Maignan’s contract, which expires on 30 June 2026. The club has no guarantee of reaching an agreement, the chances of the French goalkeeper extending are low, so the management at Casa Milan is reportedly looking around in case the former Lille player leaves at the end of the season. In recent months several names have been linked to Milan’s goal, including Suzuki of Parma, Caprile of Cagliari, Lunin of Real Madrid, and Atubolu of Freiburg. In the past hours a new name has emerged, Hugo de Souza Nogueira, known as Hugo Souza, goalkeeper of Corinthians.
For now, the Rossoneri fans are enjoying Maignan’s performances as he is back to his highest levels thanks to the stability brought by coach Massimiliano Allegri and also the expertise from goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi. That is why many are looking to take advantage of the momentum and perhaps strike gold with it. In fact, comparing odds across various SA betting sites is always something to be encouraged, and before finally deciding to place your bet, ensure you have the best possible price with an online sportsbook.
A look at Hugo Souza's career:
Born in Duque de Caxias in the State of Rio de Janeiro on 31 January 1999, Hugo Souza grew up at Vasco da Gama, then went on loan to Fluminense in 2008 and later joined Flamengo on a permanent deal. He moved through all youth levels and signed his first professional contract in 2018. His senior debut came on 27 September 2020 against Palmeiras in the league, a 1–1 draw. A few days later on 1 October he made his Copa Libertadores debut against Independiente del Valle, a 4–0 win. After 71 appearances for Flamengo he decided in summer 2023 to try an experience in Europe and moved on loan to Chaves in Portugal, where he made 27 appearances across league and cups. His spell ended the following summer when he returned to Brazil. Flamengo sent him on loan to Corinthians, who later signed him outright for under one million euros in January 2025. With the São Paulo club, where he has a contract until 31 December 2028, he has made 86 appearances so far in all competitions.
A penalty specialist:
During his time in Europe the Brazilian goalkeeper became known for saving three penalties in the same match. This was on 29 March 2024, when Chaves played away at Benfica. Hugo Souza stopped a penalty from Angel Di Maria in the first half, then denied Arthur Cabral twice in the second half. The referee ordered a retake after the first miss, but Cabral saw the second attempt saved as well. Benfica won 1–0, but the goalkeeper stood out for the three penalties saved and several other strong stops.
Appreciation from Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti:
In 2025 Hugo Souza played a major role in Corinthians winning the Paulista championship. His strong displays, six clean sheets in twelve appearances, earned him a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad. The former Milan coach gave him his debut on 14 October in a friendly in Japan, a 3–2 win for the hosts. His name is now on Milan’s list for the post-Maignan plan, and the Rossoneri club management might have already contacted Ancelotti for information on Hugo Souza.
Speaking of Souza time ago, Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti said these words:
"I really like Hugo as a goalkeeper. He has personality, character, he’s very tall, and I believe that in the next few games we can think about giving him an opportunity to get used to the team. Calling him for the World Cup? We are thinking about that, about preparing, studying penalties, preparing a goalkeeper for penalties. In knockout games in the past… Brazil was unlucky against Croatia. Many quarter-final and round of 16 matches are decided on penalties, so it’s something we are thinking about, evaluating," he told ESPN.
The 26-year-old shotstopper of Corinthians is valued by Transfermarkt at around 10 million euros. His current contract runs until December 2028. An important economic offer from AC Milan will have to be sent to the Brazilian club in order to convince them to let their key player leave.
In the season that has just ended with Corinthians, he made 53 appearances in total, conceded 47 goals across all competitions, and kept 25 clean sheets.
Meanwhile, the priority remains to renew Mike Maignan’s contract at AC Milan, even if the club is looking at different options in order to not be caught unprepared. In fact, the Rossoneri club’s sporting director, Igli Tare, said these words about the French goalkeeper’s situation before the match against Lazio in the Coppa Italia competition:
"Mike is extraordinary and a top goalkeeper, we will look for the right path together at the right time."
