After the mercato shut on February 1, journalist Franco Ordine has reviewed AC Milan’s window, and given some critical evaluations of the movements the club made.
Whilst the January market has never really been one of much activity for Milan, the rest of Europe followed the same trend, with no major deals happening across the continent. However, Milan welcomed two names to Casa Milan.
Firstly, there was the return of Matteo Gabbia. The defender was heavily rumoured to be recalled at the start of the window to allow Stefano Pioli to have him available in defence, given the crisis his side have suffered there.
Additionally, the Rossoneri added Fillipo Terracciano to their ranks. The versatile wing-back is seen as one for the future primarily, but he is also believed to be able to make an impact when called upon by Pioli.
There were, of course, other targets that the club attempted to land, but there was a lot of reluctance from clubs to loan players during the window, let alone make sales, unless the Diavolo were willing to spend much more than they may have been worth. However, planning for the summer mercato has already begun.
Franco Ordine spoke to MilanNews and offered his thoughts about the window and the qualities of Milan’s incomings.
How would you describe the transfer business conducted by Milan?
“The balance is anonymous, negative, not at all prospective. They made a signing, which is that of Terracciano, of which I honestly have great doubts about the usefulness. What instead seemed very weak as a card for now, from the point of view of performance, seems to me instead very useful: we are talking about Gabbia.
“I thought, and still think, that an effort should be made to give the defence a guarantee because between now and when Thiaw and Tomori return, they have to make a vow to Our Lady of Injuries because if an injury happens we’re back in trouble again.”
Very few transfers happened anywhere. You aren’t signing star players in the winter. It just doesn’t happen.
The media are angry that there weren’t more transfers!
Let the new incoming coach have a say on new players /signings in the spring ???
Why is there a new incoming coach if the current coach is meeting expectations?
Would you get sacked from your job if you met or exceeded expectations?
The current management kinda give up on the current season. The only trophy left to fight is Europa League anyway.