In a rather unceremonious turn on the summer transfer merry-go-round, English left-back Archie Brown is heading to Istanbul to join Fenerbahçe, leaving AC Milan empty-handed despite seemingly being in pole position just hours before. The promising 20-year-old defender from KAA Gent was, by many accounts, Milan`s prime candidate to fill the void left by Theo Hernandez`s recent move to Al Hilal.
However, the night brought decisive movement from the Turkish side, now helmed by none other than José Mourinho. Fenerbahçe reportedly swooped in with a financial offer – specifically, a higher salary package for the player – that Milan was unwilling or unable to match for what was described as “just a few million more.” This seemingly small difference was enough to sway Brown towards the Süper Lig.
Brown is now expected in Istanbul imminently for his medical tests, finalizing a transfer that will undoubtedly sting the Milan hierarchy. Their plan to immediately replace a world-class left-back with Brown has evaporated. And just to add a pinch of salt to the wound, reports suggest another potential target, Doué from Strasbourg, is also proving difficult to secure.
As the start of the competitive season looms, including a Coppa Italia clash against Bari on August 17th rapidly approaching, Milan finds itself in a precarious situation. A key defensive position remains unfilled, and potential alternatives appear to be slipping away. Losing a primary target over a marginal financial difference to a club like Fenerbahçe, regardless of Mourinho`s presence, might raise a few eyebrows and certainly complicates Milan`s immediate defensive outlook.
Elton Marrow