The Italian transfer window has come to an end, for this time. At AC Milan, two Deadline day signings arrived in the shape of Alexis Saelemaekers and Diego Laxalt, while an additional three players were brought in during the winter by Boban and Maldini.
In total, therefore, five signings were made for the first team, which hopefully can help Stefano Pioli’s side in their quest for Champions League. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the details of the signings.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Deal: Free transfer, six months (with option)
Cost: –
The 38-year-old was the first signing of the winter mercato, arriving on a free transfer to help his beloved Milan get back on track. Thus far, it hasn’t certainly worked, as Milan haven’t lost a game since he arrived.
By the looks of it, there is an option to further extend his stay at the club, although it could be for a managerial role rather than one on the option. Either way, the signing has already paid off.
Simon Kjaer
Deal: Loan, six months
Cost: €2.5m option to buy
As Mattia Caldara is now at Atalanta, and Leo Duarte is recovering from a serious injury, Milan had to bring in a replacement. They did so with the Danish international, who cut his loan spell at Atalanta short before joining the Rossoneri.
According to various reports – and as backed up by the official statements – Milan will have the option to sign him permanently at the end of the season. The buy-out fee is valued at €2.5m (Gazzetta Dello Sport via MilanNews.it).
Asmir Begovic
Deal: Loan, six months
Cost: –
The Bosnian was brought in to replace Pepe Reina, who Milan were keen on parting ways with due to the high salary. The Spaniard has joined Aston Villa on loan, but it seems he could leave permanently in the summer.
You can definitely call this transfer a short-term solution, as there are seemingly no plans to continue with Begovic at the end of the season. However, that doesn’t mean that he’s a very capable backup goalkeeper for Donnarumma.
Diego Laxalt
Deal: Recalled from Torino
Cost: –
As Antonee Robinson’s move to Milan fell through at the last minute, the Rossoneri decided to recall Laxalt instead to replace Ricardo Rodriguez. The Uruguayan’s loan spell at Torino wasn’t very successful, one must say.
Hopefully, he can do better as Theo Hernandez’ back up for the remainder of the season. His contract with the San Siro side will expire in 2022.
Alexis Saelemaekers
Deal: Loan, (six months)
Cost: €3.5m paid loan, €3.5m option to buy
Completing the Deadline Day business, the Belgian midfielder will replace Suso, who joined Sevilla earlier this week. The 20-year-old can more or less play in any position on the right flank, although he’s mainly a midfielder.
There have been multiple reports on the formula of the deal. However, in their official statement, Milan confirmed that it’s a loan with an option to buy. Anderlecht added that it’s a paid loan. The total fee of the deal is believed to be around €7m.
