The rumours linking AC Milan with a move for Nicolo Zaniolo gained a lot of momentum earlier in the week, and then yesterday news arrived that things have stalled.
According to what was reported this morning by Tuttosport (via MilanNews), Milan had a concrete interest in signing Zaniolo and wanted to try make it happen in January, but yesterday Paolo Maldini phoned his Roma counterparts to inform them that the Rossoneri have ‘withdrawn from the race’.
It comes after owner Gerry Cardinale spoke with Maldini on the phone and raised some doubts about the feasibility of the Zaniolo operation. First of all, the American did not trust the idea of an investment on a player who has proved so fragile on a physical level in recent seasons, so much so that his growth has been greatly slowed down. Two cruciate ligament injuries before the age of 24 are no small matter.
Secondly, there is the unknown factor of the mental strength of a player who has shown that he has a feisty character at times. Finally – and this for the ownership is the most important red flag – there is the economic aspect. For Roma the only loan solution has always been an obligation to buy, but Milan wanted an option.
Furthermore, after the €30m offer from Bournemouth, the Giallorossi told Milan that they must match that amount, since the player did not intend to move to a low-end Premier League club.
Cardinale did not give the green light to increase the January budget which was spent almost entirely on the summer window. Instead, the owner advised Maldini and Massara to try to reopen the discussions for Hakim Ziyech of Chelsea, who was already targeted in the summer and is considered more sustainable.
Because they don’t want to spend money for the team
Because they don’t care the team results
And because they simply don’t believe in the team too much to try and spend money when they need to
“Because they don’t want to spend money for the team”
Don’t want to = Can’t. There. I fixed it with facts. You’re welcome.
That is all until we get serious owener like Silvio B. It is a shame to see Italian champions that can not financially outmuscle Leeds and Bournemouth with 50M for annual transfer in 21st century.
Sorry for Milan fans all over the world
Sorry but Berlusconi or any other new owner could do nothing to fix this until the finances are fixed. Ever heard of FFP? Yeah, it’s the real deal. For some clubs. Not all though.
One of the many many NO’s to follow…..that’s why middle-east set up was good
Being banned from UCL due to continuous FFP-violations is good, eh? 😀
There are always ways to master your sponsors look at Qatar national companies and etihad Airways deals in respective clubs…..you will get the answer the money shows up in account inflated deals but money is there…..
Until people who haven’t been bribed start to investigate… Then you’ll end up like being Juventus. 😀
You like Arab money so much so support PSG, leave Milan alone from corruption, dont need it here
Gerry Cardinale who has NO CLUE regarding football (soccer for him) is instructing Maldini how to pick players………
And I thought I’ve seen everything in this lifetime.
Cardinale blocking the deal improved his stocks. He actually seems to understand about “soccer” and blocking this transfer proved it. Zaniolo would have been a huge waste of money. We need to look elsewhere as this guy is nothing but trouble (and injuries).
We dodged a bullet here. Let’s be glad.
Thomas, bb always has sheer abundance of football knowledge. You should listen to his genius ideas. Cardinale must know everything about football since bb says it.
Thank you, Jeesus. Praise the lord.
Carfinale might not know football but he knows logic, unlike the man who supposed to know football but lacks logic.
Grazie Cardinale for not allowing paolo to spend even more money on another under performing, injury prone player
Yeah, and 30 year old with similar injury issues is a much better choice. At 20M and double wages. :DDDDDDDDDDDDDD There is 0 logic in there.
When did Ziyech have 2 ACL ruptures in back to back years by age 21?
How old was Modric when he won his Ballon d’or? Or Benzema? How old is Messi who scored “quite a few goals” and was instrumental in Argentina’s WC triumph? Let me see… Oh, right… ALL OF THEM WERE WELL OVER THEIR 30S ALREADY.
So yeah… Kill everyone over 30 as they’re useless right? Replace them all with Zaniolo’s who are in their mid-20s and are STILL considered as “future promise” yet end up being that “promise” in their 30s too.
Exactly @bb and 20&8.
A wise decision by cardinale, zaniolo is just as average as Tonali, Mourinho is far more experienced to be willing to let Zaniolo go for cheap.
This Milan team is suffering for not renewing Kessie nor signing a perfect replacement.
Maldini and Massara isn’t doing enough on the renewal table.
Letting stars on the verge of becoming superstar go for no Capital gain is atrocious.
Kessie’s career is done. Remember what I said. He can’t play in Spain or England, he is too slow mentally for that speed of the game. Serie A was perfect for him and his only real option is Inter.
Tonali is light years ahead of your beloved Kessie
1. Cardinale no money to spend on Milan.
2. Zaniolo will be another flops.
3. Milan need replace coaching team
When you have American owners deciding who will be bought. I don’t think he knows all the rules. Same like that Chelsea guy, let’s just buy anyone I think is good and see what happens. We have a similar guy, but poor compared to Boehly. :DDDDDDDDDDDD
yeah buy Fofana for 80m, you would love that so you can brag on twitter