AC Milan are once again facing a dilemma regarding the future of Lucas Paqueta after a turbulent January for the Brazilian, a report claims.
The former Flamengo man – who arrived a year ago in a €38m deal – asked not to be called up for last month’s trip to Brescia after it was reported by numerous outlets that he was treated for stress and anxiety.
A number of reports have claimed that there were clubs interested in acquiring Paqueta during the winter window, but he ended up remaining.
Since then, there has not been a change in fortunes. He played 26 minutes against Hellas Verona, nine against Inter and three against Juventus.
As Calciomercato.com notes, he is now a reserve in all respects as the 22-year-old has struggled so much for game time and seemingly did not have a position in the 4-4-2 used by Pioli, and though the 4-2-3-1/4-4-1-1 presents a chance for him to play in behind the striker, Hakan Calhanoglu is the clear preference.
The risk of devaluation is concrete, especially after the decision taken by the club in January to keep him. Milan has in fact chosen to keep him rather than sell him for a loss (Leonardo’s PSG had actually made a bid of €20-22million).
Milan resisted in the hope that the attitude of the Brazilian would change once the market was closed. At the moment, however, Paquetá has not given encouraging signals in the games he has played, rather the contrary.
