Theo Hernandez’s name has constantly been in the headlines over the international break, after his bad performance and red card against Fiorentina but also amid the uncertainty regarding his renewal.
Last Wednesday’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport spoke of ‘the great frost’ involving the left-back, who is wanting €8m net per season plus bonuses to renew with Milan but is not convincing the management with his performances and his behaviour more recently.
The Italian media more generally took aim at the 27-year-old after his disastrous birthday night against Fiorentina in which he gave away a penalty, missed a penalty he shouldn’t have taken and then got sent off at full-time while wearing the captain’s armband.
Now, Pietro Mazzara has given an update on Theo’s situation in his weekly column for MilanNews and he paints a rather more optimistic picture, while also admitting that an economic effort will be needed.
“In a week that was essentially empty of ideas, strangely serene for the current situation of Milan, the issue related to the renewal of Theo Hernandez has dominated the spotlight,” he began.
“The genesis is the front page of the Gazzetta dello Sport a few days ago, where the pink newspaper announced a request for 8 million in wages from the Frenchman that Milan do not seem willing to accommodate.
“But the big hit was made by TeleLombardia, interviewing Manuel Quilon, agent of the French full-back, who gave an overview of the situation. Milan has not spoken to him since May-June, a period in which they had received the player’s will – unchanged – to remain at Milan. Thank you, goodbye and silent phones for months.
“In the meantime, at Milanello, the management had direct talks with the boy, once again receiving openness towards the renewal, but it is logical and evident that the procedure to follow is always the same, that is, to sit at the table with the player’s agent who will never do anything contrary to the wishes of his client.
“Quilon’s torpedo has ‘flushed out’ Milan’s position, which now finds itself forced to make at least one phone call to the agent, at least to avoid further annoying Theo’s agent. From what we know, Theo Hernandez would not have made a request for 8 million, but rather would be inclined to ask for 6.5-7 guaranteed, knowing full well that Milan cannot go beyond certain figures.
“But the game of wanting to pass the player off as a capricious one who wants to break up in order to be sold, is not the right interpretation. Also because if it were to break up, no one would come to pay the money he is worth in terms of his contract, but would show up with a lower offer to get rid of the problem.
“And strong players, this must be remembered and underlined, are never a problem, especially when they are calm and you recover them from a mental point of view.”
Cash in on him. Talented player, but his attitude stinks to high heaven.
If Milan has in fact kept radio silence all this time one can’t really blame if Theo’s attitude is starting to get worse. Any sane person would start to question how much the club /management actually values and appreciates Theo’s presence if they’re not even making any offers.
True, and ttheo has been one of our best ( if not the best) for a few years now. And to get that kind of a treatment??!!! Clueless managment. Probably they were thinking on cashing in on him gor some time now.
And whom do you think will replace him ?
You might have in mind some left-back who might be able to deliver good games with us, but knowing our management we’re probably gonna use Theo’s money to purchase a low level left back+yet another right back and central midfielder rather than a good leftback.
Plus Theo’s current contract expires in 2026, so if we don’t renew to him, we’re almost certain to lose him for a small fee or for free.
Better renew to him, make some things clear to him and if it still doesn’t work, at least sell him with a good price.
Now Milan is starting to play mind games like they did before Leao’s renewal – throw some jabs about performance and behavior. “Strong players are never a problem”
If Milan is smart they would cash in on him and Leao. Theo has a very bad disciplinary record and he has the most red cards even dating back to Pioli tenure.
There comes a point when players think they are bigger than the club and when that happens you have to move them out. Alex Ferguson said that is the best way because they will cause problems in the team harmony. So there’s no point holding onto players with a bad attitude and disciplinary problems.
Tavares from Lazio is 3 yrs younger at 24 and he’s on loan from Arsenal. With the money Milan can get from Theo sale we can easily replace him with Tavares or Maxim De Cuyper from Club Brugge.
As for Leao, we already have his replacement and his name is Pulisic aka Captain America. Pulisic best position is on the left wing. So losing Leao wouldn’t be a problem.
Then they can sign Edon Zeghrova from Lille for the right wing and use Musah as a back up. Chukwueze will be sold.
Fonseca will have the players who work hard and have discipline to play his style of football especially if Milan signs a good attacking midfielder like Nico Paz.
First, if we don’t renew to Theo, we will lose him either for free or a small amount. No team is going to pay 50M€+ for player who will be available for free in 2026.
But even assuming we will sell him, do you really think we’re gonna replace him with a good left-back ? We’re gonna probably split his money between a low-level left back, yet another right-back and yet another defender or central midfielder. Moncada has simply no clue on how to upgrade a position.