Heading into the first game of the 2023-24 season it seemed that Rade Krunic could hardly be more central in AC Milan’s plans, but fast forward a few months and an exit now seemed likely.
La Gazzetta dello Sport have provided an update on Krunic’s situation, starting with ‘the crowning moment’ in the second half of the 3-1 win over Frosinone, when he was missing from the large group of Rossoneri players who were warming up on the sidelines.
Krunic remained seated the whole time, which leads to a single idea: Pioli had decided that regardless of what the game situation was or the players that might need to come off, the Bosnian would not be coming on.
The fact that right now, especially after Ismael Bennacer’s return, the depth in midfield is quite abundant while Krunic has never really convinced in the No.6 role he was asked to play as part of the new 4-3-3 system.
Until a few weeks ago Krunic was Pioli’s loyalist and an ‘indispensable metronome’. He was Bennacer’s deputy at the beginning of the season while waiting for the Algerian to return, though Yacine Adli came in when he needed to breathe and gave a sign of how the role could be interpreted.
Krunic remains an all-rounder, as he has been since arriving in 2019. When Malick Thiaw got hurt against Dortmund he came on at centre-back, and during his time at the club he has played false nine, winger, attacking midfielder, mezzala, defensive midfielder, centre-back, full-back and wing-back.
So what does the future hold now? The courtship of Fenerbahçe remains from the summer, though the two clubs never really entered a real negotiation. Partly because Krunic was the designated replacement for Bennacer, and partly because the Turkish club had delivered a proposal deemed too low.
An initial offer of around €5m was sent, which perhaps could have become €7-8m, yet Milan wanted €15m to sell. Pioli’s position was clear too: he had virtually vetoed the idea of the 31-year-old departing.
There is another element too: the lack of agreement over a contract renewal, which Milan considered more or less a routine operation. His current deal expires in 2025 and he currently earns €1.5m net per season.
The Rossoneri put €2.5m on the plate, but that amount was not deemed sufficient by the player. The club and the agent spoke several times, but the gap remained quite wide and the matter ended in stalemate.
And so Fenerbahçe, who remained in the background but never disappeared from the scene, are ready to try again. They will present the same salary offer delivered in the summer – €3.5m net per season, which Krunic would accept – and will try convince Milan again.
It is logical to think that Milan will ask for less than the €15m they wanted in August but more than the €4m that has been rumoured. Negotiations will resume, meanwhile Krunic’s management are clearly oriented towards an exit.
After six minutes against Fiorentina, 37 against Dortmund (but only due to an emergency in defence) and zero against Frosinone, Krunic really has gone from pillar to probable departure.
Was never a pillar. Just a stand in. And did a good job
Before his injury he was good but now 3 players are above him in the Peking order for his spot.
Yep, dude did what he was supposed to do. Hold the fort until the others get up to speed 🤷♂️
Act beyond his skill just because he is pioli’s son
King Krunic.
A big part of the squad that brought us out from the Banter Era (a neverending time of Year Zeros😂) while delivering a Scudetto & three consecutive years of UCL football (a semi-final in one).
Can’t fault him for his service. Thank you Sir.