We may have 13 league games to play until the end of the season, but it seems that Milan should address planning for next season sooner rather than later.
There are not one or two but 10 players are either on an expiring contract or on loan with option to buy. Of course, only some of them will be strongly missed, but the factor shouldn’t be underestimated by the management especially when depth has been such a key issue this season.
Goalkeepers
Not much is needed to be said about the contract renewal saga of Gianluigi Donnarumma. He is by far the best goalkeeper in the world at his age and he is even up there with the top shot stoppers in general.
A big financial sacrifice is essential for the renewal, because big teams are built from their No.1 between the sticks and also if the club do not spend big for his renewal, they will have to spend big for a replacement.
Antonio Donnarumma’s contract is also expiring and should his younger brother renew, he may also stick around as the third choice for another season or two.
Defenders
One of the revelations since he arrived has been Fikayo Tomori, who is on loan with a quite high option to buy of €28m, as per most major sources. To keep him, the management will also need to spend big.
Another loan without option to buy is Diogo Dalot, whose future seems to be already decided and he will not be hanging around, thus leaving a void in the back-up full-back department.
Midfielders
Things are more clear in midfield. Sandro Tonali has shown signs of constant growth over the past few games and his permanent arrival seems almost certain. For Soualiho Meite meanwhile it is unlikely that he remains as he hasn’t impressed in almost all of the chances he has received.
Hakan Calhanoglu’s renewal seems to be nearing a happy end for Milan, while the future of Brahim Diaz is in doubt. He is on a dry loan from Real Madrid and while a stay cannot be ruled out, the odds are probably against that right now, at least based on reports from reliable sources.
Forwards
The biggest problem is in attack and it isn’t talked about much, considering its importance. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, we all know that and we thank him for what he has done so far. However he is not a robot, he will be 40 next year, and even with his professionalism his body seems to “crack” with the tough schedule of the season. He has already missed many games, and will miss even more. Will he be able to continue next year?
As for Mario Mandzukic, fans hoped he could be a low risk gamble with huge reward, but for now that’s surely not the case and he won’t get any younger, either.
Taking all the above into consideration, it is clear that in the worst case scenario, Milan could need 10 new players at the end of the season if they wish to have the same numerical depth.
For argument’s sake, let’s say that Calhanoglu and Tonali will certainly stay. The same cannot be said about any other player in question. With Champions League football on the horizon, more certainties are needed.
Goalkeepers – milan should get this deal over the goal line but if he and raiola actually expects 10 mil a year and only a one or two year contract with a low release clause thne i have the view he should be let go of as its simply to destabilizing to keep him around. I doubt there is a great issue but we’ll see where his loyalty is, money or love for the colors of his favourite club. Worst case scenario he leaves and find a player with actual loyalty like getting plizzari some minutes while playing the tatarusano but the outroar of milan fans will be far worse this time around and both gigio and mino should propably avoid milan fans for many years to come.
Defenders – fikayo certainly should stay dalot on the other hand shouldnt be brought in unless for ten mil or something.
Midfielders – certainly will stay as we allready invested 10 mil, meite might not have impressed yet but he was one of our better players against udinese when he was subbed in in the last match so maybe we shouldnt allready give up on him as he might still come out as a decent deal or maybe not. otavio seems like a decent backup for calhanoglu so if we can get him its propably would be a wise move.
Forwards – mandzukic might still have some good games ahead of him as it isnt really that he has been fielded much both due to being a substitue and currently out with an injury. If he doesnt do well id recommend either scamacca or atleast a player of his size and age as its clear when zlatan is not around our way of playing is completely hampered. Add to that if milan can strike a deal with thauvin that can satisfy both parts milan would be idiots to not sign him up and he can both play as a right wing and a cf so that gives us some more depth up front and he is cost free as well but lets see what his real demands and willingness is to join our club.
Milan really needs to re sign Gigio. Just go with the demands and punt that can down a few more years. Re negotiate as early as next year. 10M for the one of if not the best gk in the world…what are we waiting for exactly?
Next up the loans. Diaz can go back, not that he’s bad but his good performances and far between and he seems to struggle with the physicality of Serie A.
Dalot is interesting as we tend to forget just how young he is. Calabria is 3 yrs older andnis considered “young”. I wouldnt be opposed to his signing but for no more than 10M just due to time a d potential upside. 10M is easy to amortize.
Next, Meite. You getthe feeling there is a stronger player in there that is currently being shown. It reminds me of Bakayoko who was utter garbage at the beginning only to flourish after he settled in. Id say wait until the season is over and once Meite gets enough chances which we can judge on.
Next, Tonali should be redeemed and he should be playing more often. He was doing well and inexplicably was left out for a while. He’s going to be needed if we are to try other formations.
Next purchases…i hope management sees the need for shelling out on a top striker as you get the feeling Ibra’s days are numbered due to the regularity of his injuries. Perhaps Haaland? He has the same characteristics as Ibra. Perhaps we need to stop the Mandzukic experiment while we can.
If Ramos is available I’d say get him and offload Romag if theres interest. Kjaer for all his good work is not the top tier level. Ramos-Tomori anyone?
We should gave up for calhanoglu,he seems very inconsistent,unreliable.
Gigi donarumma’s wage is also way too high,should sell him while we can
And spend the money into someone else .