There is no doubting Rafael Leao’s importance to this AC Milan side with what he creates from nothing, but it can be argued that Mike Maignan is of equal importance.
Calciomercato.com recall how Maignan’s performance at the Maradona certified his status as one of the best goalkeepers in the world along with the likes of Thibaut Courtois, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Jan Oblak and potentially Emiliano Martinez too after the World Cup.
Milan have often had the best defenders and forwards in the world at various times but it is hard to think of a goalkeeper as strong as Maignan, who has gathered a lot of attention around Europe.
The Rossoneri signed him from Lille for under €16m to replace Gianluigi Donnarumma, and the management are fully aware of the importance of ensuring his stay for the seasons to come.
Maignan has a contract expiring in 2026 and receives a salary of just under €3m net per season, while Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara thinking about extending it and giving him a pay rise to reflect his status.
Leao is destined to become the highest paid player in the squad if he accepts the €7m net per year offered, while Theo Hernandez and Olivier Giroud respectively earn €4.5m and €3.8m net.
Maignan’s continuous phenomenal performances – even in the Champions League – can no longer be ignored and that is why his renewal may also be added to the agenda list.
Give the man an extension with a pay rise, in order to fully bind him.