AC Milan finds itself in a familiar transfer market conundrum as the start of the new Serie A season looms. With the league opener scheduled for August 17 against Bari at San Siro, the Rossoneri are still actively seeking starting options for both fullback positions. The search has already hit complications, forcing the management duo of Tare and Furlani to adjust their strategy on the fly.
The Left-Back Puzzle
The focus for reinforcing the left flank, potentially as a high-quality alternative or eventual successor to Theo Hernandez, recently centered on Archie Brown from Gent. Reports suggested a deal was all but finalised, with Milan having matched Galatasaray`s €8 million offer and even scheduled a private flight and medical tests for the player last Friday night. Milan believed the agreement was secure, considering it a mere formality to exchange final documents with the Belgian club.
However, in a move that reportedly irked the Milan management, Brown, influenced by a late-night call from the Fenerbahçe president (and presumably coach José Mourinho), abruptly changed course. The Turkish club presented a substantially more lucrative financial package, reportedly offering Brown €3.5 million per year over five seasons, a significant jump from Milan`s proposed €1.4 million plus bonuses. This dramatic eleventh-hour pivot meant Milan would not only have to restart their left-back search but also contend with the perception of being outmaneuvered, particularly galling given the player`s prior apparent commitment.
Milan`s refusal to match the Fenerbahçe offer stemmed from concerns about disrupting the club`s wage structure; the proposed salary for Brown would have reportedly equaled that of experienced midfielder Luka Modrić, who took a pay cut to join the club. The conduct of both the player and his new agent during this episode was reportedly not appreciated by Milan. Despite this setback, the search continues. Girona`s Miguel Gutiérrez remains a considered option, though the club is evaluating a wide array of left-sided defenders being proposed. Melvin Bard of Nice, however, is understood not to be currently in Milan`s plans.
Right-Back Ambitions and Alternatives
On the right flank, the primary target has been Guéla Doué from Strasbourg. Milan has reportedly submitted two offers, raising their bid from €15 million to €18 million, but both have been rejected. Strasbourg`s valuation is significantly higher, demanding no less than €25 million plus bonuses, a figure that could potentially escalate beyond €30 million. While Doué is reportedly keen on the move to Milan and has asked his club for a transfer, the substantial price difference remains a major hurdle.
Acknowledging the difficulty in negotiations for Doué, Milan is now seriously evaluating alternatives. Marc Pubill of Almeria is gaining considerable traction. Priced around €15 million, he presents a more financially accessible option, though it`s noted he possesses different playing characteristics compared to Doué. Competition for Pubill exists, with Wolverhampton also reportedly interested. Another name, Vanderson of Monaco, was deemed too expensive early in the window.
The Market Reality: Prices on the Rise
The cumulative effect of these setbacks and negotiating difficulties is clear: Milan`s need for fullbacks is widely known in the transfer market. And as any seasoned observer understands, when a major club shows urgency for specific positions, asking prices tend to inflate. This “game of raising the stakes” is making Milan`s recruitment process more challenging, as clubs recognise their leverage.
With the clock ticking down to the season opener, securing two starting fullbacks is paramount for head coach Massimiliano Allegri. The coming weeks will be a critical test of Milan`s transfer strategy and negotiation prowess as they endeavour to fill these crucial gaps and ensure the squad is adequately prepared for the competitive challenges ahead. The melodrama of the transfer window, it seems, is far from over for the Rossoneri.
Elton Marrow