New centre-back targets are popping up all the time for AC Milan, with Ousmane Diomande the latest to be linked.
It looked as though Milan were closing in on making Antonio Silva their first defensive signing of the summer, that is until Benfica put up a wall forcing them to turn to other targets. It seems the budget is there though to sign a starter-level player, but who might it be?
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Diomande: Milan’s big move?
According to Tuttosport (via MilanVibes), the 22-year-old has a release clause of around €80m. He has been monitored for a long time by Milan’s scouting network and although it would take a serious investment, the directors seem willing to try.
The plan is to sign two centre-backs, and the first is a big name who would immediately strengthen the defence and lead the new era. The second will be in the coming weeks, when there is a departure, potentially for Fikayo Tomori.
From this perspective, Diomande would be that big splash. He is physically strong, quick, decisive in cutting out danger, dominant in the air and capable with his feet. In short, he is the kind of all-around centre-half that Amorim likes to have in his three-man defence.
Diomande rose to prominence after a loan with Mafra in Portugal’s second division. At Sporting CP, he has twice been named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year, including under Amorim’s tutelage in 2023-24 when they won the league.
At international level, Diomande won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Ivory Coast in 2023. He is hoping to get opportunities for the Ivory Coast at the World Cup, as a further showcase for his obvious talent.
Would be a stellar addition if we’re able to somehow get it done, but it’s just a wishful thinking at this point. Moreover, I don’t think Amorim intends to play with wingers, instead I see him leaning towards using 2 number 10s.
Benerdo Silva and Pulisic would have been perfect. But I doubt if Silva will join now. Zaniolo is a profile I would love to pair with Pulisic, but I think Trincao is more suited, but I will take Zaniolo any day over Trincao for his directness and goal threat and also physicality and pace, he also fits the budget.
But, I’m surprised haven’t heard much movement regarding our wingback positions which is one of the most cardinale point for any successful 3-4-2-1 which Amorim wishes to deploy.
Theo would be greatly missed in this regard as I feel he would have benefited immensely from Amorim’s style.
That being said, the €20 million we got from Jimenez should be added to a sale of Saelemaekers and Estupenian which could potentially generate €30-35 million. We would have €50-55 million to sign starter level wingbacks which may not be enough.
I would suggest Ruggeri for LWB – €40m (even though the lack of CL football may be an obstacle)
And Tiago Santos for RWB €25m.
Total €65 million.
LWB – Ruggeri and Bartesaghi
RWB – Tiago Santos and Athekame
Also, Hjulmand would be very good addition, pairing with Rabiot in the double pivot would be physically imposing.
The CB position should be the last position to spend big. I think the addition of Stones might be enough.
Tomori already won the league playing CB – he isn’t a bad defender like many taunt him to be.
Gabbia is also good, maybe lacks pace for Amorim.
Pavlovic, De Winter and Odogu are good defenders.
You doubt it Bernardo Silva will join AC Milan now? He signed for real madrid two weeks ago. How do you know (that) Odogu is a good defender? Where (and when) have you watched him play? Don’t get me wrong, I like your comment.
*if BS will join
I absolutely missed BS to Madrid, geese… I didn’t see that as I’ve not been up to date lately.
Yeah, I have watched Odogu play even though sparingly, he looked good or okay.
Generally, I do believe our defense isn’t bad personnel wise, with the right coaching they can be a solid unit.
OK, thanks.
For CAM i would rather milan get Manzambi or Schjelderup than trincao or zaniolo if Liberali doesnt want to return
for wingbacks if sala and estupinian are gone i would rather get Diego Moreira or El Hadji Malick Diouf for LWB and for RWB i would rather Anan Khalaili or Michael Kayode
for CB
i do want Diomande but idk if they are willing like the article suggests.
but ill add not Stones but someone like Oumar Solet or Mario Gila
lastly for CM/CDM
Hjulmand can control the midfield but i would like also someone for more fast movement from these positions
also for ST
i want Thierno Barry or Promise David or Moise Kean if they can
Manzambi or Schjelderup would be fine additions and are more suitable than Zaniolo and Trincao, but that’s about it.
I think Ruggeri and Tiago are more suitable than the aforementioned.
I’m not in support of a big Gila-style investment in defense as I believe we really do not need it.
I believe Hjulmand would be fine for the midfield.
I really doubt that Leão is leaving. He tells Amorin that he’ll work hard and be good.
Well, I wouldn’t mind Leao staying.
But, unless we’re playing with a 3-4-3 formation, I don’t see anywhere Leao fits in. Plus Amorim’s poaching on Mason Mount and Trincao is a testament that we will be playing with two number 10s behind Ramos.
Mason Mount would be an insane addition, I just read about it and I’m super excited, he’s an absolute baller.
I think Leao’s time is up realistically.
Just to make sure, this guy is the defender Diamonde, not the attacking one
Oh… absolutely missed that.
Ok, now it makes sense to me now as i don’t see us going after wingers at this time.
*Diomande