Now that the mercato has concluded, AC Milan must focus on tying down two of their stars to new deals. The players in question are Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez, and there are differences in their situations.
Before the summer, fears were heightened about the possibility of Milan parting with a star to further fund the kitty available to Paulo Fonseca. Neither player actually left the Rossoneri, but this was not due to a lack of interest.
As expected with the French duo, they are both stars for the Diavolo, but they would be for any team. Theo and Maignan are highly rated, and many believe them to be among the best in their position, if not the best, interest is then a given because of this.
With that being said, interest and action are two different things. Milan fans know this better than anyone, after a summer of being interested in targets, but failing to land them. Clubs sniffed about for both players but did not send bids, and therefore both players remain, at least for now.
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The big thing about Theo and Maignan’s contracts is that they expire in the summer of 2026, meaning they were at their peak value in the most recent mercato. As every day ticks on without a new deal, their value decreases.
Of course, this seems like a questionable thing in itself, but it makes sense. With two years left on the deal, Milan have time to attempt to renew their deals. However, if we reach the next summer mercato with no new deal, there is a phase of panic.
The Rossoneri would, hypothetically, be in a situation where they have six months left to negotiate a new deal before another club can begin negotiating a pre-contract. Effectively, the Rossoneri have between now and December 2025 to negotiate a new deal.
It is more likely that a deal must be decided before the early stages of 2025 because this means that the Diavolo can begin to build a new shortlist of targets as they prepare to part ways with the players.
Unfortunately, neither player will be more the fees that could have been fetched this summer, but with Maignan’s talks looking positive in recent weeks, there is confidence about his future. Whilst talks are yet to begin with Theo and his entourage, positivity is still held, and the vice-captain admitting his love for the city can only boost the confidence of the fans.
