This morning’s edition of Tuttosport has written about the ‘sliding doors moments’ for Geoffrey Moncada at AC Milan, and the work he wants to do on the squad.
The paper (via MilanNews) goes back to 6 June 2023 when the official announcement arrived that Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara had left Milan. Gerry Cardinale did not judge the 2022 summer window to be good enough, with Divock Origi and Yacine Adli among the failings.
However, what stood out above all was the large investment on Charles De Ketelaere. The Belgian made 40 appearances for the Rossoneri and has only one assist on the stat sheet, with zero goals.
These numbers – combined with the resentment over an operation that didn’t yield the expected results – are leading CEO Giorgio Furlani and chief scout Moncada to seriously reconsider the Belgian’s future in Milan.
Now, the management are hoping that De Ketelaere plays well at the U21 European Championships and that boosts his value in the eyes of interested clubs, with an asking price of €27-28m needed to avoid a loss on the accounts.
There is also the possibility of a loan with option to buy or even better still an obligation to buy. The reason Milan are pushing for a solution is also because they believe they have identified his replacement: Arda Guler of Fenerbahce.
The Turkish talent is a player that half of Europe have their eyes on. However, the Rossoneri could have a slight advantage because Divock Origi and Ante Rebic both seem to have admirers in Turkey, so could be involved in the operation.
However, it must also be noted that Guler is only 18 and being exposed to such pressure so young can be dangerous, as De Ketelaere has shown us. Moncada seems to have clear ideas though, and developments should come in the next weeks.
There will always be failed acquisitions. Just look at some of our big name past signings that failed but went on to build their careers elswhere – Kluivert, Rivaldo, Davids, Gourcuff, Huntelaar, Paqueta, Piatek, Silva etc.
Even “the almighty” Moncada will surely fail with some.
Piatek are you sure? Who couldn’t even be a regular starter, in a midtable German club.. And got loaned out twice..
The ones who felt would become legends for us:
Christian Ziega, Fernando Redondo, Dhorosoo, Patrick Viera and Giovanni Elber
Elber should have been one of our highest scoring players of all time, instead a Munich legend.
Ziega, waited all summer for him to play
Watched Viera in the Coppa Italia games
Just hope I’m not writing about CDK years from now!!!!
Francesco Toldo. After 30 years still cant believe Milan gave him away because he was not good.
Rivaldo doesn’t belong on this list. He was 30 when he arrived and basically past his prime. Piatek also, as he isn’t at the same level as everyone else on the list. I’d even argue the same for Gourcuff. Meanwhile, I would say that the jury is still out on Silva. Kluivert, Davids, Huntelaar and Paqueta were fails for sure.
Don’t be stupid , CDK was a beast in Brugge as Guler in Fener,he was even better. He couldn’t forget playing football in one season.
Skov Olsen had a great season for them as well, no one would consider him a wonder kid, imo both are not good enough for Serie A.
As a follower of Turkish league, Guler is much better than him, and he just turned 18. He’s become a regular starter for Turkish national team and a giant like Fener at this age. We lack creativity upfront and in midfield, every-time he touches the ball he creates something. He also has a winner mentality. The only concern I’d have about him would be his physicality for Serie A. But he would cost at least 25mn, Garry would never pay that money.
With the stories who is being sold and loans ending they need to replace 10 players, at least. Really eager to see how will they do that and for how much money…
Guler seems great. An ‘old-school’ styled footballer rarely seen these days. Seeing the talent, he might be able to settle in directly just like Pato when he moved to Milan. But looking at the kind of teams who put interest, it’s nearly impossible kind of operation.
For Guler see Mehmet Schol
Yacine Adli was not bought at summer 2022 transfer window.
Hey Guys, CDK is just a kid, it is just a matter of time for him , he should not be Sold this early. Even De bruyne was trush at Chelsea.
Well said @Harry.
Also if this Guler kid is the next best thing and a steal for 17.5M release clause – half of what we paid for CDK – why are we hesitating? Should be a no brainer to get this kid. Moncada loves him apparently. He has an affordable release clause (for todays market) so what’s the problem??? I’m sure a phone call from Pioli or Furlani will seal the deal?? Lol.
OH YA how could I forget! As usual we have OWNERS that won’t spend any $$$ LOL. Embarrassing. If we cannot spend 17.5M on a starting player who is supposedly one of the brightest talents in Europe, is young, has huge upside and resale value and fits under our Wage Cap – Redbird have no business owning a football club – UNLESS that is its to make PROFIT off of the fans….hmmmmm. Yup I get it now 😭😭😭
Honestly this Redsh**t are so annoying as an owner. They can’t spend 18M for such a infant prodigy. Such a shame.
Same way Tonali,Leao, and Bennacer failed in their respective first season debut. CDK will make it next season.
He has a release clause, so what difference would it make if they have an interest in Rebic, Origi or anyone else? They’re not exactly going to be giving a discount or player exchange.
Of course they could. It’s been done before. The release clause simply forces a club to sell if it’s offered in full in cash, but a club could choose to accept a player plus cash equivalent if they like the player being offered and agree with the selling club’s valuation. They just aren’t compelled to accept that since the value of the player being offered in part exchange is subjective (as opposed to the objective valuation of the player with the release clause).
*agree with the buying club’s valuation.
CDK needs another year of regular playing time, not 20 minute cameos, like last season. But he also needs to step up. Milan won’t wait for him forever. Hopefully this season goes better for him.
Guler is pretty young and no offense but Turkish League is no indicator for success in Serie A. That’s why I wanted Serie A players end up in Turkey… That said, I’d we do pull the trigger for him, his upside would make it worthwhile. Would Pioli trust an 18yo to play?