The transfer market is smiling on AC Milan. A lot of money has been spent, yes, but the benefits produced for the Milan cause are, at least for the moment, just as significant in both quantity and quality.
Of the eighteen goals scored so far by the Rossoneri, fourteen bear the signatures of the new arrivals who, since the summer, have been part of the squad available to Rúben Amorim: five goals from Alphadjo Cisse, signed last January and left on loan at Catanzaro until last June; three goals from Gonçalo Ramos, who arrived in Italy for the all-time record fee of €73 million; three goals from Diego Moreira, the second-most expensive signing in Milan's history at over €50 million; and one goal from Mario Gila, purchased from Lazio for almost €30 million.
To these contributions are added the Portuguese player's assist against Lecce and the Belgian's assist against Atalanta. Fourteen out of eighteen: a clear and evident impact.
AC Milan's Alphadjo Cisse
The big surprise of the Rossoneri's start to the season is certainly the 2006-born player, surprisingly named in the starting lineup by Amorim on the opening matchday and immediately decisive with the goal that made it 0-1 against Torino.
The youngster from Treviso then repeated the feat in Turin, this time against the Bianconeri.
In the Europa League, there was the historic breakthrough with a record-breaking hat-trick (he is the youngest Italian player ever to achieve it) against Salzburg last Thursday.
As of today, he is Milan's top scorer, even ahead of Adrien Rabiot. And he cost just €10 million: €8 million plus €2 million in bonuses, as relayed via Corriere dello Sport.
He was not signed by the current management, but he can be described as one of the symbols of the new era: young, talented, full of personality, and thrown onto the pitch without too much hesitation.
AC Milan's expensive signings:
For the two most expensive signings in Milan's history, Gonçalo Ramos and Diego Moreira, the feedback so far has been different.
The Portuguese player has scored three goals in nine matches, including one against Salzburg and one from the penalty spot against Atalanta.
His performances are improving, but more is expected, particularly in front of goal: the number 9 does a lot of work for the team, runs enormously, but the penalty area is his natural habitat, and that is where he is expected to make the difference. He will have time and opportunities to do so.
The Belgian, on the other hand, started very slowly with a timid performance against Juventus, before exploding into form in the following match against Lazio: a brace in Rome, a goal against Lecce, and an excellent defensive and attacking performance against Atalanta. He is already a certainty.
Mario Gila:
The badge of best signing, however, currently belongs to Mario Gila, who arrived from Lazio in June.
The Spanish centre-back immediately established himself with authority in the Rossoneri squad, significantly raising the level of the defence's performances and overall effectiveness.
And he is already one of the leaders of the dressing room, as demonstrated by the entire squad's celebration following his goal against Atalanta. For him, there is nothing but praise.
And Milan will try again in January with another defensive signing, hoping that he will be of the same level.
