Belgian winger Alexis Saelemaekers has turned himself into a genuine squad option for Paulo Fonseca during the summer despite seeming destined for the exit door.
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As highlighted by Milan News, Saelemaekers was expected to be out the door by this point of the summer but a series of events means he could have a second life at Milan.
He spent last season on loan at Bologna and the assumption was that they would exercise the option to make the deal permanent.
With the coach changing and money being needed in other areas, Bologna opted not to sign him and suddenly Milan needed to find a new buyer.
Between a lack of concrete interest allowing him to leave and important players being involved in international tournaments, Saelemaekers has been one of the most-used players by Fonseca during pre-season.
It still seems very likely that if a favourable bid comes in for Saelemaekers, Milan will sanction the sale, but it is no longer implausible for him to stay as a rotation option in a season where there will be a lot of games.
With around three weeks of the transfer window to go, his future will not be certain until it has definitely slammed shut.