The AC Milan management have been busy when it comes to the renewals of key players, and that in turn will have an impact on the squad cost in the accounts.
The previous directors were criticised for perhaps not moving ahead of time when it comes to extending those who were on contracts that are winding down, so in many ways this is a corrective measure.
As per widespread reports, CEO Giorgio Furlani, technical director Geoffrey Moncada and Senior Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic have been working on tying down some crucial assets.
Matteo Gabbia
The club broke the news a few weeks ago that Gabbia has put pen to paper on a new deal that will run until 2029. It was well received by the fans given how consistent he has been, and after over 80 appearances and five goals to date, the story continues for the boyhood Milan fan.
Following his late winner against Inter he is on his way to earning cult status already, with the hope being that he might even become a ‘bandiera’ in the future, and may get the captain’s armband.
Calcio e Finanza stated that there was also a financial incentive to Gabbia’s renewal, because the Italian will now go from earning €1m net per season to €2m per year, which means his pay has doubled.
His cost on the balance sheet will thus grow from the previous €1.85m gross to €3.7m, given that players that haven’t arrived from abroad cannot benefit from the Growth Decree.
Mike Maignan
Now we come to the players who haven’t signed yet but are close. As per Sky, a deal was reached in recent days with Maignan (whose current contract expires in 2026) to extend his deal, which is very positive news amid the climate of protest.
The French goalkeeper is expected to extend his deadline until 2029 and earn €5m net per season which marks a significant pay rise, but many would argue it is well-earned having returned to performing at a high level this season.
There is more good news too: the benefits of the Growth Decree remain intact and continue to apply (until the expiry date provided by law), because the regulations currently dictate that they remain even for renewals of players that already enjoyed the benefits.
Thus, Maignan’s new €5m salary will not cost the club almost double as it would without the tax relief, but instead will come in at approximately €6.55m gross per year.
Tijjani Reijnders
It was in the same Sky report mentioned above involving Maignan that the news also came out about Reijnders being on the verge of extending his contract. The difference in this case is that he only signed his first contract less than 18 months ago.
The new agreement for Reijnders will run until 2029 with a substantial salary adjustment that will go from the current €1.7m to €3.5m net per season plus bonuses linked to personal and team objectives.
It is a fitting reward for the Dutchman who will more than double what he is currently getting, having increasing his attacking output this season by scoring eight goals and adding three assists.
The new gross amount will be approximately €4.585m because the same Growth Decree rules apply as they do for Maignan. It is a good example of the management being proactive, amid rumours of interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Christian Pulisic
Pulisic has established himself as one of the most important players at Milan since arriving from Chelsea in the summer 2023 window, racking up 23 goals and 17 assists in 70 games. He is the joint-top scorer this season, despite missing the recent period due to injury.
Just like in the case of Reijnders, there is a desire to work ahead of time to safeguard an asset. A recent report suggested that he has ended up in Liverpool’s sights to replace Mo Salah, in the event of the Egyptian’s farewell at the end of the season (when his contract expires).
According to what is being reported by Matteo Moretto of Relevo, there is an ‘agreement in the process of being defined’ between Milan and Pulisic for a contract extension until 2029, which means by an extra year.
The American’s salary will be raised as a result, and he suggests it will be €4-5m net per season. In gross terms, presuming that it would be the higher amount, it would be the same as Maignan: €6.55m per year.
Theo Hernandez
We finish with the player who is perhaps the furthest away from extending his deal but there has still been a lot of positive news in the past couple of weeks.
Theo’s agent Manuel Garcia Quilon spoke while exiting Casa Milan following a meeting with the directors on 16 December, and afterwards he confirmed that his client intends to stay at Milan and renew his contract.
Various reports are suggesting that the Frenchman will pen a deal worth €5.5m net per season which would be €7.2m net, again given that the Growth Decree will still apply.
What remains to be seen is whether Theo’s renewal would then lead to a sale in the summer as has been suggested, but for the time being it would show financial recognition to a good club servant even in a difficult moment.
The end result is as follows: €13.5m in net salaries (€18.21m gross) going to €21m net and €28.585m gross.
These players along with Rafa should be the core of our team moving forwards. No brainier to ensure renewals.
I truly believe if Conceicao is the man, then we are 2-3 signings away from being back where we belong in Serie A…
1) Fofana and Rafa, 2) More like 4 signings, DR (Jimenez won’t stay at Milan for long), DC, MC and SC.
This Jimenez matter really pains me whenever I realize madrid still owns him indirectly
I agree, but Idk why I get the feeling leao might leave next summer. And I really don’t want that to happen
Conceicao will be crucial, if the coach makes you competitive then Rafa won’t leave. They all want to win trophies
Too low compared to Inters.
So, Cardinale in his moneyball logic made only one wrong move and everything fell apart.
In his equation, there is missing one important piece, and that is – in European soccer you must have best possible squad and coach to be competitive. This is speccially for Serie A.
In next season he can only sell players for Milan to gain money, because as things stands, there will ne be UCL money. That sale will decrease value of squad, and even more difficult to proceed.
So it needs to be a season of consolidation, sell the players who aren’t making an impact like Okafor and Chukwueze, bring in a decent RB (or play Jiminez there) one signing like Ricci for midfield and David is on a free…also a chance to bring though the likes of Liberali and Zeroli slowly…the future is i Believe bright if the right choices are made….
You don’t know what moneyball is.
You keep saying that but everytime I ask you to explain it it you go missing…
I know it’s horses Sh!t
Basically, risk assessment, the way I understand it. Taking a hit on a a Chukwueze hurts A LOT less than a hit on like a 50mil player for example. A lot of what they do is risk mitigation. Like what Juve didn’t do with Douglas Luis.
I’d like to think we can recoup on Okafor and Chukwueze..what was it, 40m outlay on both?
You are smart, maybe you join Ibra team to advise Cardinale
My guess is Conceicao doesn’t rock to the boat too much immediately although he said he’ll dive in with his own mindset and approach.
I know he likes his aggressive CB’s so while I hope Tomori rediscovers his form, Gabbia doesn’t take a backseat.
I still think the starting XI is strong, a proper DM, a good RB or like you said, play Jiminez there, and a striker who can score and we are set imo…we don’t need to reinvent the wheel.
Agree on Gabbia, he’s been my favourite player for some time now, mr reliable, doesn’t panic…he’s what we need..possible captain too
Guess I’m curious what Conceicao’s evaluation of the players is.
Gabbia isn’t fast but he’s positionally very astute. While Tomori is the complete opposite, fast, aggressive but so often out of position …
I’d sooner take the former, Bobby Moore wasn’t fast….quick brain over quick feet