Following AC Milan’s victory against Newcastle United, Gianluca Di Marzio addressed some thoughts that the game highlighted and provided insight into how Milan may act in the January mercato.
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Milan fulfilled their part of the miracle to progress into the final 16 of the Champions League. However, the fact that Paris Saint-Germain did not succumb to defeat against Borussia Dortmund means the Rossoneri will continue in Europe, in the Europa League.
The negatives may cast a shadow on the night, though, it is important to remember that there are plenty of positives to take from Wednesday night’s showing.
Samuel Chukwueze, Luka Jovic, and Noah Okafor all provided positive displays, with the Nigerian and Swissman combining for the Diavolo’s winner.
Gianluca Di Marzio was interviewed by Sky Sports, and his comments were relayed by MilanNews.
Thoughts about the critical game against Newcastle United…
“Yesterday [against Newcastle], we saw the strength of the alternatives available to Pioli. Okafor returned yesterday after an injury stoppage, and Chukwueze and Jovic are giving signs in the last matches. Milan’s much-criticised market gave signs yesterday. Then, clearly, in January, Milan will have to do something in the market.”
Milan’s January Mercato movements…
“A defender will certainly arrive if not two. It will also try to make a striker. In recent weeks the player on which it has most focused its attention is Guirassy from Stuttgart, who has a clause of 17 million.
“The defender will perhaps arrive on loan. If Gabbia returns from his loan at Villarreal, another centre-back could also arrive.”
Attached to the Europa League invite is, of course, a loss of fortunes. However, Milan can still earn a pretty penny for their progression in the competition, which means that there can still be some money made, albeit will amount to a lesser amount than that of Champions League progression.
As a result, it could offer Milan’s higher-ups more incentive to be active in the January market, to maximise their earnings, and maybe even lessen the need for investment in the summer, should their potential January coups impress.
