This summer, AC Milan will need to be smarter with their money due to their lack of Champions League football.
It is nothing new that no Champions League means less money. Milan found that out last year and even with a position in Europe next season, they will not be much better off. In fact, they may be worse off with stars wanting to depart after no Champions League football for two seasons.
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With incomings, money must be spent in a smarter fashion, and gems need to be found. Considering RedBird’s ‘Moneyball’ approach, this should be right up their street and it would further strengthen Ralf Rangnick’s credentials to join the club this summer.
Engels interests Milan and Roma
One name who could be considered, then, is Celtic’s star midfielder, Arne Engels. At 22-years-old, he feels he is ready to take the next step in his career, especially with him feeling ‘unhappy’ in Glasgow currently, as Football Italia relayed from Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
The Rossoneri are among those interested in him and they will face competition from Roma, who could have the upper hand with Champions League football.
Nevertheless, both should be able to afford him, given he only moved to Celtic for €13 million. If he pushes for a move, the Bhoys could not demand as much as they would hope for their versatile midfielder.
Engels is a good young player, definitely one for the future, but where would he fit in, are we getting rid of his fellow Belgian international in Saladmaker or Athekame? Engels like both of them can play on the wing and at the back. It would only make sense if one of them leaves.
Arne Engels is a midfielder not right back like Athekame or wing back like Saladmeakers
Another Belgian and also from Club Brugge damn
Another journalist who doesn’t know what moneyball is…
“Moneyball’s principles have transcended the sport, making a significant impact in football/soccer and driving the adoption of data analytics. This blog explores the origins of Moneyball, its influence on data-driven decision-making, and the growing role of data analytics in soccer.”
Moneyball is NOT signing lesser known players and turning them into stars, it using data to id targets – as Brentford and Brighton do for example. Now go and look and who they sign and who we see and you’ll see a completely different profile of player.