While gearing up for the World Cup with France, Mike Maignan has doubts about where he will play his club football next season.
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La Gazzetta dello Sport recall how his contract renewal until 2031 – at over €5m net per season and without a release clause – seemed to have put an end to any discussion about the Frenchman’s future after last summer’s uncertainty.
However, the failure to qualify for the Champions League, combined with the shake-up underway at Casa Milan and Milanello, have raised the question: should he stay or pack his bags? His agent, Jonathan Kebe, has been working to ensure he’s ready should Maignan decide to try a new adventure
A few big clubs are interested in changing goalkeepers, but among those currently looking for a top player in the position, none of Chelsea, Tottenham or Juventus will be playing in next season’s Champions League.
However, many things can happen in the coming weeks, which is why Maignan is keeping quiet and focusing on the World Cup. The time for evaluation and decision-making will likely come when the Rossoneri announce their new coach. At that point, he will make a decision.
Cold feet
Maignan is the captain of Milan, a role he holds with pride. When he bound himself to the Rossoneri project, Massimiliano Allegri was in no danger of being sacked and the team were right at the top end of the table.
He never imagined such a bitter end. The dismissal of the coach and his staff (including goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi) disappointed him at least as much as the fifth-place finish. That said, he doesn’t want to make hasty decisions or rash comments like Rafael Leao’s.
If the balance ultimately tips in favour of leaving, the breakup is unlikely to be traumatic. Last June, Chelsea offered €18m for him: the offer was rejected by the club, under pressure from Allegri, and Maignan was named captain.
Now, a new buzz has begun regarding Mike’s possible departure. It’s more likely he’ll go abroad because Milan won’t let him go for less than €40-50m, especially if he were to have a high-profile World Cup.
The goalkeeper’s agent is currently working on it, and by mid-July the situation will likely be clearer, with several teams genuinely interested. At that point, with Milan having a new management team and a new coach, a solution will be decided.
The Rossoneri’s plan is to retain Maignan, whom Gerry Cardinale also holds in high regard. The Frenchman is considered one of those players who should form the new core, both today and in the future. The owners and the new management will reiterate this to Mike, hoping he agrees.