Paulo Fonseca should soon put pen to paper and sign a two-year deal with AC Milan, a report claims, and then work will begin to strengthen the squad.
This morning’s edition of Corriere dello Sport (via MilanNews) writes that all that is missing is the official confirmation on Fonseca, after Lille confirmed his farewell in a statement they put out yesterday. This was followed by a message from the coach himself, who reflected on his two years.
Everything is now ready for another official press release, that of Milan which should arrive next week. The two years in France were positive both for the club and for Fonseca himself, allowing him to grow as a coach.
This season Lille finished fourth in the league, qualified for the Champions League preliminary stage, and were one step away from the Conference League semi-finals, losing only on penalties to Aston Villa.
Milan have a two-year contract ready with an option on the third worth €2.5m net per year plus bonuses. At his first press conference, probably in early July, the reasons for the choice will be explained and Fonseca’s task will not be easy because fans are not too enthused.
What appears certain is that the management will be called upon to strengthen the squad to give Fonseca the opportunity to showcase and express his coaching skills. In this sense, Milan are also looking for a defensive midfielder in addition to a striker and a centre-back.
The identified candidate is Youssouf Fofana of Monaco, who is getting ready to play for France at the European Championships in Germany. The player has already communicated to Monaco that he will leave and his deal expires in 2025, making this a tempting opportunity for Milan.
The aim could be to close at €20m and it is a figure that the Rossoneri have repeatedly spent in recent years. Fonseca would thus find a midfielder with physical and defensive characteristics that have probably not been seen since Franck Kessie’s time.
The real issue, as CorSport writes, is the competition from some big European teams. Above all, Atletico Madrid and PSG are keen so Milan might have to move in advance, especially with the prospect of the 25-year-old having a great tournament in Germany.