Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara were largely sacked because of how bad the 2022 summer transfer window ended up being, a journalist has suggested.
Milan’s project has been thrust into uncertainty after the news that Maldini and Massara were dismissed from their respective roles as technical and sporting director less than 24 hours after the season ended.
It was meant to be a stable but important summer heading into a big 2023-23 season – which you can bet on with 188BET – but now there are fans rightly questioning what the plans are moving forward.
After the sudden dismissal of the two directors, MilanNews spoke to respected journalist Marco Bellinazzo of Il Sole 24 Ore regarding the decision and the reasons behind it.
How should Cardinale’s move be interpreted from an economic and financial point of view?
“I understand the sense of bewilderment of the fans, but modern football is like this. The major shareholder will have deemed the last summer transfer window unproductive and has chosen to sack the two main exponents.”
Maldini is the symbol and an icon of Milan…
“In modern football there is neither credit nor recognition. Did you win the Scudetto the year before? Good, however, we evaluate the year that has just ended. Evidently, Cardinale had other plans in mind.”
And what strategy?
“Trying to increase revenue. Milan navigates in a good financial situation. Now, perhaps, we want to get into gear, especially in terms of infrastructure…”
The Rossoneri fan is more tied to Maldini’s story than to the RedBird investment. Does Cardinale have a long-term development plan in mind or is he going for quick profit to sell as soon as possible?
“I think he has in mind a development plan based on the American model. Cardinale is very familiar with the income from sports in the United States. Much of it depends on the progress of infrastructure. I think he wants to build the new stadium as soon as possible.”
And then?
“And then he could consider passing Milan into the hands of another owner. That’s how the economy works now.”
What kind of summer window should Milan fans expect?
“I think the biggest operation has already been done with the renewal of Leao, a player who – at an international level – guarantees competitiveness and enhancement of the Milan brand. After that, I don’t think there will be major technical upheavals, young players will be bought – following a sustainable model – valued and, possibly, resold to obtain a capital gain.”
That does sound a lot like make a quick buck and bounce I’ll admit that hahaha.
But I’m still convinced you can buy a lot of talent for low cost or free transfers. Sales definitely would boost the budget so we have to see how sales go. Pulisic is a great way to add to is with tv ratings and potential merch I know I’ll be getting that jersey. And when he comes the attack will be a lot better especially with kamada. Thurman striker on free, N’dika free, bring columbo back, kamada, lauriente to deputies for leao all cheap as hell
Sell/loan
Adli sell or loan
CDK sell
Origi sell
Rebic sell
Gabbia sell or loan
Tomori sell he was terrible this season
Maldini loan
Simple processes just make it happen what’s so hard about who to go with just get it done. I should be a scouter if it’s this easy. I’m sure we can persuade these people with a little extra cash that we aren’t going to blow majority of it in a transfer from one guy. Kinda seeing the picture the more I think about it
“That does sound a lot like make a quick buck and bounce I’ll admit that hahaha.”
That’s basically what RedBird/Cardinale was saying right from the start: they make the finances better, get the new stadium and sell it with a huge profit. And that’s what we fans want, right? FIx the finances, get the new stadium and get an owner who cares about the silverware more than money.
So, what has (supposedly) changed?
*and sell the club with a huge profit.
Too much doom and gloom. This is just reality, and does not mean Milan can’t still compete at the top of Serie A and push on in Europe. The facts are just the facts.
According to TransferMarkt,
Since Leonardo left (end of the 18/19 season) AC Milan have the highest net spend in the transfer market in all of Serie A. This is driven by the fact that AC Milan rank 11th in funds received through player sales in that time period.
From 19/20 to 22/23… [Net Spend] (Expenditure) – (Income)
1. AC Milan [€176.18M] (€303.88M) – (€127.69M)
2. Juventus [€135.25M] (€624.06M) – (€488.81M)
3. Parma [€131.92M] (€175.37M) – (€43.46M)
4. Napoli [€127.69M] (€383.12M) – (€255.43M)
5. Roma [€86.05M] (€326.15M) – (€240.10M)
6. Monza [€76.88M] (€77.48M) – (€0.605M)
7. Lazio [€50.90M] (€145.25M) – (€94.35M)
8. Inter Milan [€40.58M] (€403.37M) – (€362.79M)
It’s clear that some adjustment in transfer strategy is needed if Milan want to successfully maintain the so called “virtuous cycle”.
Nothing to complain about here, teams like Madrid and Chelsea do a great job of getting talents in, loaning them out and training them up (and paying great attention to which clubs and managers they loan players to) and then selling on the 90% that aren’t making the first team.
Without that model, it’s only spend and there’s no way to compete at the top without oil money otherwise.
That means signing for primavera, no?
No Club in the world can go without selling player unless oil kingdom club. AC Milan must sell too but not key player. Letting our player free transfer are bad for business too
And there’s plenty of deadwood to sell: Origi, Ballo-Toure, Rebic, Messias, Maldini etc.