Journalist Carlo Pellegatti has given his thoughts on the renewal of Mike Maignan and suggested that it will not be as complicated as Rafael Leao’s.
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Now that the summer transfer window has come to an end, the Milan management can begin discussions with Maignan and his entourage over a renewal even though his current contract expires in 2026.
There is plenty of time, but there is a desire to be proactive when it comes to renewals as seen with the Theo Hernandez, Ismael Bennacer and Rafael Leao extensions. However, there are reports that the goalkeeper wants €8-10m net per season to stay.
This is in line with what the best goalkeepers in the world earn, but it would make him by far the biggest earner in the squad and might upset the balance in the eyes of some.
Pellegatti spoke during an interview with Radio Rossonera and he was asked about Maignan’s contract extension and whether he expects a long negotiation like the one that happened with Leao.
“I expect there won’t be that pain in the ass for a player who expires in 2026. Three years to go, three years fly by and something needs to be done by 2024, but it’s an issue that is fresh water compared to the negotiation for Leao,” he said.
“Here, as for Bennacer, Milan offers X and he wants Y, and it is a normal negotiation. We managed to get through the negotiation with Leao involving his lawyers, the Court of Arbitration for Sport… This [Maignan’s] is like any other.
“In the short or very short term, if Milan is willing, as Maignan’s request seems, to put in 7-8 million euros, then they will resolve it tomorrow. But Milan with Elliott were willing to offer Donnarumma 8 million, then he was the one who refused…
“Don’t start saying ‘So what does Theo Hernandez say?’, I don’t care! We are talking about Maignan. If you don’t want to stay at Milan because you want the same money as him, we will sign another player.
“Milan knows that they have to increase the wage budget, and they have already dropped by 11 million compared to last year. Until 2026, when he will be 31 years old, he [Maignan] will be here very calmly.
“Clearly there is no substitute, but with Tonali they showed that they know how to move. If someone’s problem now is Maignan and not the derby, for example, I envy them!”
