AC Milan will try to reach an agreement with Mike Maignan over his contract renewal in the coming weeks, but are beginning to think of replacements.
Milan are currently top of the league, and Maignan has undoubtedly played a huge part in that. The Frenchman has returned to being a leader with decisive saves and in big games too, so the management do not want to let him go.
Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the goalkeeper – whose departure was already negotiated last summer – is currently under contract until June 2026. Further efforts will be made in the coming weeks to reach an agreement over his renewal.
A potential heir
In the event that he is not open to extending his stay, Milan do not want to be caught unprepared and are already sounding out several names, with Alisson Becker linked earlier today. Among the targets, as reported by Sky, is Hugo Souza of Corinthians.
Born in Duque de Caxias, a city in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area, Hugo Souza made his professional debut with Flamengo. He made 71 appearances for the Rossoneri, winning , among other things, a Copa Libertadores before leaving for Europe.
His first experience away from home was in Portugal, with Chaves, in the 2023-24 season. Hugo Souza made 27 appearances in both league and cup before returning to Brazil, this time with Corinthians.
Since the summer of 2024, he has worn the São Paulo club’s jersey, where he made his national team debut. Last October, Carlo Ancelotti named him as a starter in a friendly against Japan, so the 26-year-old remains on the rise.
I’m a Brazillian and I can tell you guys that he’s good. But not amazing. I don’t think he’s on Seria A level, and even further from Mike’s level. Might be a good one for the future but i do think that hes already too old for that
Jesus just sign Mike, it’s insane how the club has fumbled this. And unless something changed his salary requirements are super reasonable. The dude is not just a world class keeper (he still starts for France, arguably the best national team the in world) but he’s also a leader and captain. What a fumble.
What changed is Mike’s willingness to sign. They made him an offer, he was considering, and then they pulled it, he was insulted and wanted to leave, they refused an offer from Chelsea that he was interested in, and now they want to negotiate again and he isn’t having it. It has nothing to do with the numbers. So he’s either walking or maybe renewing if they make a crazy offer that could have been avoided by simply keeping the initial offer on the table and respecting the player. Another Furlani masterpiece.
I’m sure we’re trying to sign him, but he might just want to go elsewhere to try on a new adventure in his career. This is the pinnacle of his career, the biggest contract he’ll get, and if he wants to see what the Prem or La Liga feels like, we might just not be able to get him to stay.
If it’s a question of money, absolutely we should just give him the cash. Whatever he needs. He has had some injury issues over the years, let’s be honest, but he’s mostly been healthy and available, and he’s all we need: a great shot-stopper and elite with his feet. Also a leader on and off the field, and decent on penalties too. We won’t find a better keeper, but we will probably have to try.