After looking like it was going to be a done deal, AC Milan is reportedly back into a round of negotiations with Theo Hernandez.
Just a week after the close of the winter transfer window, Milan are back to showing its commitment to keeping the defender for a longer term. He is under contract until 2026, however the Rossoneri are not taking any chances and are prepared to keep the left-back till 2029.
New contract and salary increase
From inside sources, the club is also prepared to reward Theo’s growth and consistency, significantly augmenting his salary. The details are that Theo could catch two more years at the club, until 2029. There are even claims that Milan has proposed a €5m net salary, which is a decent raise from his current amount.
Despite all the intentions, this very deal isn’t moving as fast as any party hoped. The negotiations, as of now, are more of a stalemate than progress. Per reports, Hernandez is requesting more than what Milan is offering.
The former Madrid star is reaching for wages that could potentially be the highest in the squad. Considering the highest-paid man at the club, Alvaro Morata realizes over €8 million, Theo’s requests seem unlikely.
Club’s wage concern
Milan is apparently not keen on raising its players’ wage structures above what is currently obtainable. As such, the two parties will have to meet in the middle for an agreement to be reached. Right now, two things are for sure: the Rossoneri want to keep the player, and the player wants to stay for the right pay.
As of the fourth quarter of 2024, Theo had on several occasions expressed his preference to remain at the club, which could ultimately count for something during these talks.
Theo Hernandez stated: “I am very happy here, the people care about me, and the team cares about me, and that’s the most important thing.”
As it is with negotiations of this nature, there are no easy solutions. And with at least one year and three months left on Theo’s contract, time is the one thing on both the club and player’s side.
Nevertheless, Theo’s camp is expected to reach a decision by summer, as it would be the perfect opportunity for him to leave the club if favourable terms are not met.
AC Milan, on the other hand, is still open to the possibility of selling the player. Recall, the club slapped a €50m price tag on the player back in December 2024.
Interest from other clubs
This was amidst interest from top European destinations like Manchester United and Real Madrid. As the January transfer window elapsed, it is a little uncertain if clubs maintained the same level of interest in the Frenchman.
Speaking on Sky Sports 24, Journalist Manuele Baiocchini only had positive remarks about the deal, conveying a message of optimism:
“Both parties are keen to continue together, and the player himself, despite everything that’s happening this season, wants to stay and renew. The club aims to align his salary with that of the highest earners, namely Leao and Maignan.”
Aside from club interests, Theo’s commercial value in recent times is also worth noting. Certain sports companies and live casino platforms are considering working with the Frenchman.
Wouldn’t be the first time as other players have sealed deals with casino operators. Recall, Brazilian superstar, Neymar Jnr has been seen in cooperation with Pokerstars. Zlatan is promoting BetHard. Some other players are opting in on the online gaming industry.
As experts at CasinoCanada say, ‘it is always better to favour gambling platforms for live games‘. After all, you might not know when you’ll be playing poker with a famous football star in real time. This was exactly the case when Neymar took to the tables with ordinary folks. Despite losing some money, he did make a lasting impression.
Fun Fact: Cesare Maldini captained AC Milan to European glory in 1963, and his son, Paolo Maldini, became one of the greatest defenders in football history, winning multiple trophies.
Theo’s advantage
Looking at perspectives, the 27-year-old, who is arguably still in his prime as a defender, has the upper hand in these negotiations. With interest from many clubs, the Frenchman could get even more than what he is asking of Milan elsewhere. On the other hand, it may take the club some searching and some money to find a replacement for a player of his stands.
Eventually, if both parties stick to their terms, Milan may have to sacrifice one player to maintain the salary structure in the club. If we were to gamble on it, we’d say the player won’t be at the club by Summer.
Fun Fact: Theo Hernández is one of the fastest left-backs in the world. At AC Milan, he has clocked sprint speeds over 35 km/h, making him a nightmare for defenders. His blistering pace allows him to dominate the left flank, contributing both in defence and attack with overlapping runs.
Last words
In a nutshell, while the fans are expecting good news in the coming weeks, it is very likely that Milan may decide to cut the Frenchman loose. With negotiations stalling this long, parting ways is becoming the more likely outcome with each day.
Keep him but make him play in midfield. You’re wasting him at defense. Pair him up with Leao as DM and AM. Keep them in the center.