Mike Maignan’s contribution was crucial during AC Milan’s win over Roma, but his future remains a thorn in the club’s side.
As Calciomercato.com report, Maginan’s penalty save on Paulo Dybala in the closing stages of Sunday’s 1-0 win at San Siro was a hugely significant one that reignites the debate about his future beyond this season, given his deal runs out next June.
Negative signals
Maignan’s contract expiration potentially marks the end of a relationship that would have lasted for five years and led to moments such as the 19th Scudetto win (in his first season) and the Supercoppa Italiana triumph in December.
Allegri is ‘obsessed’ with the Frenchman and remains hopeful of a new agreement with Milan to continue working together for many more years. As things stand, however, the signs suggest that Maignan wants to try something different.
Discussions with the CEO Giorgio Furlani stalled a year ago following an unfulfilled promise to reach a final agreement within a short timeframe and under the required conditions. This upset the former Lille man, who seemed to make up his mind then.
Tare and Allegri: the hope
Igli Tare’s work – as Matteo Gabbia highlighted – is part of the reason why Milan have started the season so well. The sporting director practically lives at Milanello and is always in close contact with the players.
He’s also spent time with many of them to try to resolve issues and demonstrate the management’s support for the team. Now his goal is to try to mend the rift with Maignan, which is described as ‘difficult but not impossible’.
Meanwhile, Massimiliano Allegri doesn’t want to take credit for it, but it’s undeniable that his arrival and the private discussions he had with Maignan convinced him to stay, after Chelsea’s attempt. The two have a very good relationship; winners find it easier to understand each other.
This is an important factor that could prove decisive. Allegri will try to convince Maignan of his project, while the experienced goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi seems to be an astute hire. Now, we must see if something thaws with Mike, given both sides have remained firm in recent months.
This is our 12th final attempt.. let’s hope it goes well 🤞, not sure we’ll get another final attempt /s
If Milan win the scudetto then Maignan and Pulisic will renew. I doubt they will leave a winning project and a winning team.
I think Pulisic will renew anyway, as long as he sees he is part of the first team (which I admit seems strange thing to say given his performance so far). I honestly didn’t expect him to find his game in the new formation but that dude is ready to play and provide wherever you put him on the field.
Even if Milan fail to win the scudetto this season but eventually made the final cut for direct Champions League qualification both Maignan and Pulisic will put pen to paper and even Rafa would renew in no distant time.
Previous attempts didn’t have Tare and Allegri here.
I have hope.
Plus, Mike wouldn’t convince Rabiot and Nkunku to join him here if he was thinking of leaving immediately afterwards.
I think Furlani alone was the problem.
I think Furlani alone was the problem – yes! 💯%
I think he would recommend the club, because he appreciates the club, infrastructure, opportunities, coaching team and his teammates. He is mature, he knows very well his personal issues are not tied to the experience of anyone else.
Maignan is now incredibly one of the longest serving players having only arrived in 2021.
Gabbia is the longest followed by Leao and Saelemaekers (and the club has done its best to force out Gabbia and Saelemaekers).
A club needs long serving players to give it identity and purpose.
Easier said than done though. We had some decent and even great experienced players who naturally had to retire or declined in form. We also had some promising players that decided to chase new opportunities – be it for poor management on our end, be it for dream transfers (in their eyes). We also had a lot of players that contributed to the Scudetto season (and we are thankful) but overall lack the quality to play for a club of our rank.