One of the few players who can hold their head high after a difficult start to the season for AC Milan is Mike Maignan, and the news regarding his renewal is positive too.
MilanNews writes that aside from the unfortunate match against Liverpool, one tainted not only by errors but also by a now-routine injury problem, Maignan has returned to playing at the highest level between the posts.
In these first few games he did his best to keep the team in the game as much as possible despite the numerous shots he has suffered. Most recently against Fiorentina he even managed to bail the team out with a penalty save on Moise Kean in the first half.
With that he has now saved 12 of the 53 he has faced in all competitions since 2015-16 (excluding shootouts) – which was his debut season in the ‘top five’ European leagues – therefore a success rate of 23%. Four of these were saved while at Milan.
Maignan is important player and also an example for his team-mates for his commitment and professionalism. Fonseca immediately crowned him a leader: “Since the first day I’ve been here, Mike has been an important player, one of the leaders of the group. He works well, always very balanced. He is one of the leaders of the dressing room.”
He is currently away with France and is one of the leading candidates to wear the captain’s armband given the temporary absence of Kylian Mbappé from Didier Deschamps’ squad due to an injury. A big step with Milan appears close, too.
In recent days it has been reported that the extension of Maignan’s contract – which expires in 2026 at present – is getting closer. The dialogue between the parties has been going on for several weeks, but the two parties are now increasingly closer and now the agreement is close, the report adds.
The contacts of the last few weeks have been very positive and it is expected that the former Lille star will sign until 2028 and will also obtain a significant increase in his salary from the current €2.8m net per season to over €5m.
It is only fitting recognition for a player who – in addition to having great performances on the field – has always demonstrated professionalism and attachment to the shirt.