Vanja Milinkovic-Savic has claimed his brother Sergej is missing Italy, and AC Milan have been linked with a possible swoop.
Calciomercato.com recall the words of Vanja to DAZN: “He misses Italy a bit, you can tell because he comes back often. As he says, it’s just habits: once you get used to Italy, it’s hard to change. He’s never scored against me, and he never will: it’s a challenge between us, between brothers, ever since we were little.”
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So, is a return to Italy possible for Sergej, who became a start of Serie A after so many years at Lazio? And which club could sign him from Al-Hilal?
The contenders
First of all, it is impossible not to talk about Juventus. The Bianconeri are looking for a certain type of midfielder and they want to make a big splash, with Sandro Tonali among the names on their list.
Milinkovic-Savic had previously been included in a shortlist of targets, but Juventus have currently set other targets for both January and June, still seeking a significant signing for their midfield.
Would a romantic return to Lazio be possible? Milinkovic-Savic was spotted among the spectators at the stadium to watch the Coppa Italia round of 16 match against Milan. The Serbian attended the match, but a return is impossible given the Biancocelesti’s financial parameters.
What about Milan, who now have Igli Tare as sporting director, the man who helped SMS become a Lazio player? In January there are other priorities to address, such as the centre-back position, a young striker and possibly a wing-back. If a midfielder did arrive, someonelike Leon Goretzka is more possible.
On the other side of Milan, Inter’s owners Oaktree are now more interested in young, promising players who could potentially be suited to coach Chivu’s tactical set-up. Milinkovic-Savic was a possible option if Simone Inzaghi had remained at the helm, but instead they united in Saudi Arabia.
Then there’s Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic is a profile Conte could easily appreciate and develop. Furthermore, owner De Laurentiis has already shown he’s ready to make certain investments to strengthen the squad, he’s a name Manna and the management could work on.
And among those who are always ready to invest, there is the very wealthy ownership of Como , but the strategy of functional young players for Fabregas seems to collide with a purchase of the calibre of the Serbian midfielder.
There is an important premise in all of this: just two months ago the former Lazio midfielder renewed his existing contract with Al-Hilal until 2028 and from that he will earn a whopping €20m per year. If he ever returns to Italy, Milinkovic-Savic will absolutely need to lower his financial demands.
Pass.
A lazy midfielder.
Between him and Loftus-Cheek who would you prefer ?
Neither
way better than RLC
Rabiot – Modrić – Savić
Ricci – Jashari – Fofana
Balanced and covered👌
You take SMS over Goretzka hypothetically? Both are 30.
Either would we good but SMS is a bit more attacking minded. Something I miss with current set of midfielders.
Ffs, how many more midfielders we need after seeing visible stuggles in attack and defence?
I agree there is a need for a solid left back/left wingback.
There of course needs to be another CB who can be good with the ball at their feet and tall enough to deal with crosses. But ideally much older but capable player. I would take Bremer from Juventus in a heartbeat.
Then a backup for Sala for the right wingback. Then some sort of serious options for the striker option, but no one can complain as the team has injuries up top. So we as fans have not seen what they can do.
we need upgrades for 4 players: RLC, Estupinan (least of an issue from these 4), Athekame and Odogu…
I would just loan out the last 2 of course. but we do need better quality players in their stead anyway.
Why would he sign a renewal if he wanted to leave? On top of that he’s making more money in a year than he did at Lazio. He’s not going anywhere.
Exactly. It’s a non-story.
Boaring, Let him ride Camels.
We are good RLC is better choice between the two. If we solash money then let it be on someone that counts
Savic is the evolution og RLC. The type of player people hope RLC would become. If there is an option, I would take Savic over RLC in. Heartbeat. He is still only 30 years old, and could be the one missing piece, with an attacking mindset but with defensive capabilities too. Perfect mezzala 🔥
RLC does not impose himself on games anymore, and I don’t blame him, after so many injuries.
He needs to look after himself on the field, but that also makes him less ideal for AC Milan.
I’ve always rated RLC, but if we can get an upgrade, we should pounce!
Sorry I disagree his a smart midfielder, not lazy. I would love to see him back in Italy for a club that is a contender. It would be interesting to see the team that aquires him play against Napoli. Lastly I can have no relation to the Milinkovic family what so ever but if your read about the family, you will see they are all accomplished in the sport they have invested time in.