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AC Milan - Milanfan.com _ Transfers _ Summer Transfers 2016

Posted by: d'Arc.LP May 1 2016, 07:55 PM

(When) Will the Summer Transfers 2016 thread open ?

Never mind, Ill post here on my thoughts about our next transfer window, if we sell the club.

Whoever buys Milan, should know already that the club is in deep crisis of identity and perfoming. It is not only the players who have lost their mentality, it is also the people around in the menagment who dont behave and work like should. I read rumors that some ex Milan players could be included in menagment (ie Maldini and Rivera) also Leonardo. I personally would welcome Leonardo back in the club, despite the things that have happen with him and the reason to do that is because the man knows how to do his job. The only problem is if he would agree to come back.

As for the team players, I only see Dounnarumma, Romanogli, Bacca as starters in our XI after the summer. Maybe giving Abate, Antonelli, Kucka, Bertolaci (only because we invested quite much in him), Bonaventura, Niang and Balotelli a chance to fight for their place also. As for the likes of Abbiati, Zapata, Mexes, Alex, Montolivo, Honda, Menez and Boateng they shouldnt be let to enter Milanello. Abbiati is past his time as a football player, regardles of the role he plays in. Same goes for Mexes and Alex (who would make a good backup if he was any good to rely on when you need him not to make a mistake), Zapata is someone who never stood up to expectations (based on the kind of performances he delivered when he played for Udinese), Montolivo is a Pirlo wanna be who never had and never will have the skills to perform even as 30% of Pirlo, even though he delivered some good matches when Mihajlovic put him into the fire. Boateng is just a bad recycled paper, we never should have gotten him and sooner we let him go the better. As for Honda and Menez, they have the abilities to pull some things but theyre just not what we need. Honda is no winger (even though he played better at the wing than he is playing now in the center) and Menez is just to selfish to play next to Bacca.

So, based on the above and knowing that we have some players loaned, I would like our team to build around:

First XI: Donnarumma, Romanogli and Bacca.

Chance to prove (Bench - First XI): Gabriel, Abate, Antonelli, Bertolaci, Bonaventura, Suso, Niang and Balotelli.

Back ups: Paletta, De Sciglio, Mauri, Kucka and Verdi.


As for the transfers, we really need someone experienced to play with Romanogli (who I strongly believe can be our second Nesta), someone like Thiago Silva (I read some months ago rumors that he might come back). Hummels would be good also. As for the full backs, I think we should go overseas and search, even though I heard we already signed a left back from Argentina.

The midfield is the most important segment we have to fix and invest on. Kovacic would not be very bad, knowing the kids potential. We also need someone like Witsel in order for us to iron the midfield. Granit Xhaka would be perfect, but the guy is already on his way to England. As for the wingers (supposing we will play 4-4-2 or 4-3-3) then there are plenty of good players we could look up. Shaqiri on the right, who would be eager to prove himself in higher level again after failing with Inter. He is still young and has some abilities that we could use. As for the left wing Im still not sure if I prefer El Shaarawy (heard that Roma is not willing to pay 13m for him) and Bonaventura split it, or I would like us to transfer someone else.

Bacca is a killer striker, he just needs someone to feed him asists. A very skilled dribbler and passer, but I cant think of anyone at the moment. An example would be someone like Menez but a less selfish.

So, my first and back up XI would look like this:

----------------Donnarumma
Abate - Th. Silva ------ Romanogli - Antonelli
------------Witsel --------Kovacic
--Shaqiri----------------------------El Sharawy
--------------Niang ---- Bacca

Back Up XI:

-----------------Gabriel
Calabria - R. Ely ----- Paletta - De Sciglio
-------Kucka/Mauri --- Bertolacci
--Suso ------------------------------- Bonaventura
------------- Adriano --- Balotelli


This would probably cost us at least 100-120m, from which 30-40m would be collected from selling the players left out, but Im sure it would bring us back to Champions Leauge, if not winning Scudetto right away. Sure we need a hell of a coach, I hear we could go after Pellegrini, someone I wouldnt mind at all. He has a lot of experience and skills.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan May 1 2016, 08:10 PM

well first thing the big if, will milan be sold anytime soon. My worry is that this whole thing could continue till the end of summer. dry.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 1 2016, 08:10 PM

You make it sound like the shift in management wouldn't result a complete overhaul of our roster.

I think that if a new management with new staff comes in (and really, Rivera? Isn't he too old and also implicated by being a poor club president before Berlusconi?) new transfer policies and new players should follow in.

Sure, we should keep a few of the current players, maybe even as a kind of backbone. But we should get rid of players like Bertolacci, Mauri, Adriano, Poli, Mexes, and especially Montolivo. However, I'm more then keen on giving SES a new chance. His solid to good performances at Roma convinced me enough.

We should bring in a new mentality at the club with new faces.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP May 1 2016, 09:36 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ May 1 2016, 10:10 PM) *
You make it sound like the shift in management wouldn't result a complete overhaul of our roster.

I think that if a new management with new staff comes in (and really, Rivera? Isn't he too old and also implicated by being a poor club president before Berlusconi?) new transfer policies and new players should follow in.

Sure, we should keep a few of the current players, maybe even as a kind of backbone. But we should get rid of players like Bertolacci, Mauri, Adriano, Poli, Mexes, and especially Montolivo. However, I'm more then keen on giving SES a new chance. His solid to good performances at Roma convinced me enough.

We should bring in a new mentality at the club with new faces.


Actullay I think those changes are quite large, thats why I went with the wild guesses. Otherwise if we dont sell, there is no way that we buy someone. Maybe we sell Bacca and Donnarumma to balance the books (which were -89million for this year) but no other change will happen, at least not for good.

This is from some days ago:

The Association of Small Shareholders have proposed the appointment of some former players in the board of directors:
Rivera, Maldini, Boban, Albertini and Seedorf.
However, the board proppossed by Fininvest has been approved.

Fininvest has proposed the following composition of the Board of Directors:
Barbara Berlusconi, Paolo Berlusconi, Leonardo Brivio, Pasquale Cannatelli, Giancarlo Foscale, Leandro Cantamessa and Adriano Galliani.

Posted by: han2503 May 2 2016, 07:48 PM

All Summer transfer talk here

Posted by: han2503 May 2 2016, 07:50 PM

Moved the discussion here wink.gif

Posted by: Jack Sparrow May 3 2016, 07:32 AM

Sell AC Milan, buy Lionel Messi. Win Everything!

Posted by: d'Arc.LP May 4 2016, 02:57 PM

CorSport: Milan have closed Feyenoord's talent, Tonny Vilhena. The contract of the 21-year-old will expire in summer and he's also a cilent of Mino Raiola

Posted by: han2503 May 4 2016, 07:45 PM

QUOTE (d'Arc.LP @ May 4 2016, 02:57 PM) *
CorSport: Milan have closed Feyenoord's talent, Tonny Vilhena. The contract of the 21-year-old will expire in summer and he's also a cilent of Mino Raiola

Oh goody, and we continue to make deals with this vile turd...

I hope this at least gives us a shot at Ibra...

Is Vilhena at least showing signs of being able to fulfil his promise? Anyone follow the Dutch league here?

Also: Besiktas executives are expected to be in Milano in the next weeks to try to close the deal with Zapata. #Sky

Posted by: Rossoneri7 May 4 2016, 10:49 PM

It's the season to be jolly fla lala lala la la

China take over of Milan this summer and expect a CL worthy side as a result. I want Carlo back to rebuild. Maldini in some capacity and close to the team. Galliani will resign, maybe stay on for an interim period, but the tides are definitely against those appointed and representing Silvio. The man has agreed to sell, if figures are accurate 750M for 51% of his stake in Milan; that translates to valuation of the club at 1.4 billion, if the sale happens. Power of management will go to the Chinese. A turning point in Milan and maybe identity/culture change as a result?


Posted by: milanbuf88 May 4 2016, 11:01 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ May 4 2016, 06:49 PM) *
It's the season to be jolly fla lala lala la la

China take over of Milan this summer and expect a CL worthy side as a result. I want Carlo back to rebuild. Maldini in some capacity and close to the team. Galliani will resign, maybe stay on for an interim period, but the tides are definitely against those appointed and representing Silvio. The man has agreed to sell, if figures are accurate 750M for 51% of his stake in Milan; that translates to valuation of the club at 1.4 billion, if the sale happens. Power of management will go to the Chinese. A turning point in Milan and maybe identity/culture change as a result?

Why would Carlo turn down Bayern for this Milan? That would be madness.

Posted by: X-Offender May 5 2016, 12:02 AM

QUOTE (milanbuf88 @ May 4 2016, 11:01 PM) *
Why would Carlo turn down Bayern for this Milan? That would be madness.


He's already signed for them anyway.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow May 5 2016, 05:36 AM

He wants Carlo at Milan. That's different.

I heard something about exclusivity agreements. Meaning, that once Silvio signs up with the Chinese, in return for the financial guarantees (~150 MM) being deposited with Finninvest, it means that no deal can cross 1 million without the prospective buyers signing off on it.

So how many think that Galliani going to Real Madrid was to attend a job interview at Real Madrid? biggrin.gif

Posted by: han2503 May 5 2016, 04:38 PM

I think it will be for a 70% share of the club not just 51%, Milan sadly isn't worth that much anymore.

Posted by: Ry4n May 21 2016, 04:34 PM

Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo is linked with a move to Bundesliga side FC Köln......so there is a god!


Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 21 2016, 07:29 PM

Köln? Hahahahaha

Posted by: X-Offender May 21 2016, 09:43 PM

QUOTE (Ry4n @ May 21 2016, 04:34 PM) *
Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo is linked with a move to Bundesliga side FC Köln......so there is a god!


Just because he is linked doesn't mean he'll go. And he won't.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 21 2016, 10:28 PM

Surely he won't. But the rumor by itself tells you everything. Did you hear anytime Pirlo being linked with Köln?

Posted by: X-Offender May 21 2016, 10:30 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ May 21 2016, 10:28 PM) *
Surely he won't. But the rumor by itself tells you everything. Did you hear anytime Pirlo being linked with Köln?


I don't need a rumor to tell me how absolutely garbage Montolivo is. I've been witnessing that first hand for years now.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 21 2016, 10:34 PM

He's not garbage, I won't let that pass by. But thing is, he's way past his prime and we need someone new, someone fresh and better.

Posted by: X-Offender May 21 2016, 10:42 PM

He's way past his time, ergo he's garbage. Not that he was any great when he was in his prime.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 21 2016, 10:56 PM

No need for such vulgar language though.

Posted by: X-Offender May 21 2016, 11:35 PM

Oh, come on now...

Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 22 2016, 12:06 AM

Well, it's not necessary to degrade to such levels. Someone might still like or even be fond of Monty. No need to flicker those harsh words just because you can. Would you like to be called garbage when you end up past your prime? Would you tell it into his face? I don't think so.

Posted by: X-Offender May 22 2016, 12:19 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ May 22 2016, 12:06 AM) *
Well, it's not necessary to degrade to such levels. Someone might still like or even be fond of Monty. No need to flicker those harsh words just because you can. Would you like to be called garbage when you end up past your prime? Would you tell it into his face? I don't think so.


Are you even aware that we're talking about a player who has tarnished the shirt he's wearing for most of his stay at this club, someone who has completely disgraced that glorious armband, someone who doesn't put an ounce of grit and passion in most of his performances, and yet calls himself captain of AC Milan? Sorry Fillipo, but Montolivo is garbage, and he doesn't deserve respect from any fan.

Posted by: Ry4n May 22 2016, 01:57 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ May 22 2016, 01:43 AM) *
Just because he is linked doesn't mean he'll go. And he won't.

lol i know that i just found it funny and i hope he does leave what farce hes the captain..

Posted by: han2503 May 22 2016, 10:14 AM

He'll probably get a renewal rolleyes.gif

I don't agree with x-off taking it to the extreme here and saying he's garbage, he's a half decent player but one who's always been out of his depth at Milan and to make him captain simply compounded that fact

At the end of the day he should take an offer with a smaller club as he's simply not good enough, same thing can be said for the majority of our players so that's all I'll say about that one.

Posted by: Ry4n May 22 2016, 02:42 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ May 22 2016, 02:14 PM) *
He'll probably get a renewal rolleyes.gif

more then likely or two year... sad.gif

Posted by: kurtsimonw May 22 2016, 04:28 PM

Honda out. Please.

Posted by: X-Offender May 22 2016, 05:09 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 22 2016, 04:28 PM) *
Honda out. Please.


What a massive failure he turned out in the end. I was so excited when we signed him.

Posted by: han2503 May 22 2016, 08:38 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 22 2016, 04:28 PM) *
Honda out. Please.

There are so many that could have their name there. Let's see what happens with this Chinese because if the sale doesn't go through I'd still keep Honda as we have no one decent enough to replace him and we won't buy anyone better either

QUOTE (X-Offender @ May 22 2016, 05:09 PM) *
What a massive failure he turned out in the end. I was so excited when we signed him.

Meh, we all knew that he was limited to begin with, I wanted him as well but mostly because it was an unwritten fact that we wouldn't get anyone better, plus he was for free and had commercial value.

I also read somewhere that Juve want DS. He hasn't been all that good and he certainly hasn't come good, but selling anyone to Juve imo is a big NO. The Pirlo fiasco should be enough of a deterrent to last us a lifetime of nightmares. What a huge f@ck up that one was.

Posted by: X-Offender May 23 2016, 07:43 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ May 22 2016, 08:38 PM) *
There are so many that could have their name there. Let's see what happens with this Chinese because if the sale doesn't go through I'd still keep Honda as we have no one decent enough to replace him and we won't buy anyone better either


Meh, we all knew that he was limited to begin with, I wanted him as well but mostly because it was an unwritten fact that we wouldn't get anyone better, plus he was for free and had commercial value.

I also read somewhere that Juve want DS. He hasn't been all that good and he certainly hasn't come good, but selling anyone to Juve imo is a big NO. The Pirlo fiasco should be enough of a deterrent to last us a lifetime of nightmares. What a huge f@ck up that one was.


Pirlo was Pirlo, a legend. DS is another Santon. Great potential but sh*t delivery.

And I expected much, much more from Honda. I knew he wasn't another Seedorf, but he's been absolutely crap this entire time with us.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow May 24 2016, 07:13 AM

I've always liked Honda. Good team player and works hard. And he's been effective for us. Of course, if you're talking about some player who can completely take the game by the scruff of the neck, he's not it.

A Seedorf in his prime would struggle in this crap team. Apparently Jose Mauri in a team talk said the same thing. "When we win the ball, we don't know what to do!". laugh.gif

Posted by: X-Offender May 24 2016, 03:03 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ May 24 2016, 07:13 AM) *
I've always liked Honda. Good team player and works hard. And he's been effective for us. Of course, if you're talking about some player who can completely take the game by the scruff of the neck, he's not it.

A Seedorf in his prime would struggle in this crap team. Apparently Jose Mauri in a team talk said the same thing. "When we win the ball, we don't know what to do!". laugh.gif


Sorry but I think you're way off in your judgments. Good team player and works hard, but to what benefit? For an attackng mid his end product is garbage.

Posted by: X-Offender May 24 2016, 03:05 PM

Montolivo, Antonelli snd Calabria have renewed till 2019.

The web is going absolutely mad about Monto's renewal. 3 million a year for a crap player. Dear lord...

Posted by: han2503 May 24 2016, 09:02 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ May 24 2016, 03:05 PM) *
Montolivo, Antonelli snd Calabria have renewed till 2019.

The web is going absolutely mad about Monto's renewal. 3 million a year for a crap player. Dear lord...

And the bad decisions keep on rolling...

Did this renewal come with the seal of approval from our supposed new owners to be? Because FFS!! I thought we were going to move past this sh!t. And is it really for another 3 years?

Who the f*** is still allowing Galliani to make these decisions FFS?


Posted by: Jack Sparrow May 25 2016, 07:10 AM

Absolutely annoyed at that decision. We couldn't offer Pirlo a 3 year contract, but this guy gets it.

This Ital-Milan nonsense has to have some basis in performance. It's not about representation.

Posted by: Ry4n May 25 2016, 10:56 PM

Just more money to waste jeez....

Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 30 2016, 08:48 AM

So CdS said if Berlu remains than Ibra won't come (too expensive) and Brocchi stays as coach. Unbelievable, it's like he's purposely going at lengths to shove it all in you face.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow May 30 2016, 01:00 PM

laugh.gif I don't understand the purpose of the takeover then. So weird.

Posted by: han2503 May 30 2016, 05:20 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ May 30 2016, 08:48 AM) *
So CdS said if Berlu remains than Ibra won't come (too expensive) and Brocchi stays as coach. Unbelievable, it's like he's purposely going at lengths to shove it all in you face.

Is this in the context of the takeover not going through or if he's left in his position as president until the Chinese buy out the rest of the shares?

If Brocchi stays it's another season flushed down the toilet, no matter who we buy.

I find it hard to believe though that any investors who are going to be coming in and taking the majority stake plus putting in the cash will allow Silvio to make such important decisions though

I think the Ibra deal depends solely on the takeover going through though as we simply cannot afford him otherwise. I think that if he were going to sign for United he would have already done so as soon as Mourinho was officially announced.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 30 2016, 05:50 PM

If the Chinese don't take over at Milan...

Posted by: han2503 May 30 2016, 07:44 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ May 30 2016, 05:50 PM) *
If the Chinese don't take over at Milan...

Ah ok.

Well, I would expect nothing less than the status quo if this take-over goes in the direction that the Bee one did. Of course Silvio and Galliani will keep playing tug of war with the coaches and buying every available striker out there.

That being said, I think things will go through this time, I read a couple of quotes from Silvio and he seems decided by what he says

Posted by: X-Offender May 30 2016, 10:11 PM

This deal has to go through, for the sake of AC Milan and Italian football.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow May 31 2016, 07:11 AM

The only, and I think only advantage we have with Silvio staying on, is that due to his political connections maybe some activities like a new stadium might progress smoother with less bureaucracy.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 31 2016, 07:58 AM

I think that Berlusconi has still influence on the team as well. Look at our performances with him on the stands; usually ending up either with a win or at least a good show.

Posted by: X-Offender May 31 2016, 06:24 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ May 31 2016, 07:11 AM) *
The only, and I think only advantage we have with Silvio staying on, is that due to his political connections maybe some activities like a new stadium might progress smoother with less bureaucracy.


Highly doubt it.

Posted by: Ry4n Jun 3 2016, 05:40 PM

Out of interest how many clubs are owned by foreigners in Serie A ? I mean who really wants to invest in this horrible league i can see why they want to in EPL..

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 3 2016, 06:15 PM

QUOTE (Ry4n @ Jun 3 2016, 05:40 PM) *
Out of interest how many clubs are owned by foreigners in Serie A ? I mean who really wants to invest in this horrible league i can see why they want to in EPL..


The attraction of big household names, perhaps? Milan and Inter are huge in Asia.

Posted by: Ry4n Jun 3 2016, 07:38 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jun 3 2016, 10:15 PM) *
The attraction of big household names, perhaps? Milan and Inter are huge in Asia.

I was more talking about propping the league up as a whole not just the big teams. Like how it was in the 90s

Some of the lesser clubs in Italy are worth nothing on paper but are rattled with debt.

I just think all this messing about with Berlusconi & Co , will he or won't he sell...can't see it happening to be honest not unless he kneels over and his children sell. Even then i would of thought Barbara would hold on to a steak in it.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jun 4 2016, 11:37 AM

QUOTE (Ry4n @ Jun 4 2016, 02:08 AM) *
I was more talking about propping the league up as a whole not just the big teams. Like how it was in the 90s

Some of the lesser clubs in Italy are worth nothing on paper but are rattled with debt.

I just think all this messing about with Berlusconi & Co , will he or won't he sell...can't see it happening to be honest not unless he kneels over and his children sell. Even then i would of thought Barbara would hold on to a steak in it.


That would be stake. Not steak. You're hungry Ry4n. Eat a snickers. tongue.gif

Posted by: Ry4n Jun 4 2016, 03:56 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Jun 4 2016, 03:37 PM) *
That would be stake. Not steak. You're hungry Ry4n. Eat a snickers. tongue.gif

hahaha 96.gif

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Jun 4 2016, 09:35 PM

QUOTE (Ry4n @ Jun 3 2016, 10:38 PM) *
I was more talking about propping the league up as a whole not just the big teams. Like how it was in the 90s

Some of the lesser clubs in Italy are worth nothing on paper but are rattled with debt.

I just think all this messing about with Berlusconi & Co , will he or won't he sell...can't see it happening to be honest not unless he kneels over and his children sell. Even then i would of thought Barbara would hold on to a steak in it.


Propping the league up will require investments in the league. When Milan gets sold, it will be three top teams with foreign owners in only 3-4 years. Think lesser clubs with bigger ambitions will follow suit.

But to go back to the 90s Era for the league is a long shot.


Posted by: Ry4n Jun 4 2016, 10:26 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Jun 5 2016, 01:35 AM) *
Propping the league up will require investments in the league. When Milan gets sold, it will be three top teams with foreign owners in only 3-4 years. Think lesser clubs with bigger ambitions will follow suit.

But to go back to the 90s Era for the league is a long shot.

Yeah i wish it were possible..

btw out of interest has anyone read this book , i'm reading it so far and its pretty interesting to say the least.

Money and Soccer: A Soccernomics Guide

http://www.amazon.com/Money-Soccer-Soccernomics-Unterhaching-Scunthorpe/dp/1568584768/ref=pd_sim_14_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=513xnT7O8-L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL320_SR214%2C320_&refRID=0H2Q3Z4AFFRDQBHNZBXJ

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jun 6 2016, 05:12 PM

Give us your main takeaways.

Posted by: Ry4n Jun 6 2016, 08:05 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Jun 6 2016, 09:12 PM) *
Give us your main takeaways.

We are pretty much f**cked.











I will let you know. I've only just started.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 6 2016, 08:52 PM

In which way?

Btw. anyone following the Milan-sale saga and our potential transfer objectives here? It's been awfully quite late..

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 6 2016, 09:09 PM

I read today that Silvio wants reassurance from the Chinese that they will spend a specified amount of money each summer to keep the club competitive.

Source: Mediaset

I haven't been paying much attention, though. My passion and interest has completely worn off.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 6 2016, 09:13 PM

Oh come on! I know, it's very frustrating, but let's hope for the best. We all tend to overreact a bit. If it was to our standards, people would have worn off from supporting clubs like Napoli, Aston Villa, Tottenham etc. long time ago...

Posted by: han2503 Jun 6 2016, 09:19 PM

Suning have bought a majority share in Inter and it seems like they have decent spending power. Benega has also confirmed he's going there as well.

All this while Silvio keeps mouthing off at every opportunity he gets in front of a camera about how it's a difficult deal and how much of a sacrifice he's doing for the club, etc, etc. All while the Inter deal seemingly got done and dusted in the space of a month with no one whoring themselves to the media.

As for transfers we have Silvio still insisting that if the deal with the Chinese doesn't go through he will go ahead with the Italian-Milan plan (rolleyes.gif), bringing players up through the system (rolleyes.gifrolleyes.gif) and keeping Brocchi on as coach for next season (rolleyes.gifrolleyes.gifrolleyes.gif)

So basically we're still in the same exact spot we were in a few month ago, praying like hell that this deal goes through or Silvio and Galliani will continue to run this club into the ground.

As for other rumours, Ibra is expected to announce he's going to United tomorrow, they're saying the Chinese want Emery and Monchi from Sevilla to takeover as coach and sporting director respectively should they be in charge

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 6 2016, 10:51 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jun 6 2016, 09:13 PM) *
Oh come on! I know, it's very frustrating, but let's hope for the best. We all tend to overreact a bit. If it was to our standards, people would have worn off from supporting clubs like Napoli, Aston Villa, Tottenham etc. long time ago...


You keep on acting as if this is the first or second year we're suffering and things will turn back to normal soon. We've been dealing with this crap for four seasons now, not once in the last 30 years have things been so black and desperate for such a long time with no clear solution in sight. So please, do forgive me if I've had enough of this shtick and feel demoralized as a fan about it.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 6 2016, 11:38 PM

I don't act, I try to be patient. A clear solution is in our sight, also imminent. Milan is too big of a team to just sink into the dustbin of history. It is only logical that a force will pick us up and try to empower us again, sooner or later. Will it be now? Perhaps. Or when the terms are right? Perhaps. Or when Berlusconi dies? Maybe.

Whining around, seeing all blue or sharing depressive thought won't help anymore then my behavior. At least I try to be positive, because for God sake, it's the only thing left to do. What's the point of being pessimistic? So that I can shout "I told you so" every now and then and prove to a bunch of posters that I'm smart? Or to shield myself from bad developments? No thank you.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 7 2016, 06:31 PM

I was more than optimistic last summer, when Han was the only one who foresaw that things would stay the same. And so it happened. I lost my patience back then which was justified by another crappy season.

You're asking me to stay positive, but I'm pissed, man. I'm pissed at this club, the management, players, everyone involved. And it's totally legit for me to feel this way. It's true that my attitude won't change anything, but frankly speaking, I don't give a damn anymore. I stopped watching Milan games for the first time in my life. Because everything has a limit. So, until this club gets back on track, I will continue not to give a damn rather than be hopeful and then be even more pissed afterwards.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jun 9 2016, 10:59 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jun 7 2016, 12:38 AM) *
I don't act, I try to be patient. A clear solution is in our sight, also imminent. Milan is too big of a team to just sink into the dustbin of history. It is only logical that a force will pick us up and try to empower us again, sooner or later. Will it be now? Perhaps. Or when the terms are right? Perhaps. Or when Berlusconi dies? Maybe.

Whining around, seeing all blue or sharing depressive thought won't help anymore then my behavior. At least I try to be positive, because for God sake, it's the only thing left to do. What's the point of being pessimistic? So that I can shout "I told you so" every now and then and prove to a bunch of posters that I'm smart? Or to shield myself from bad developments? No thank you.

Past glory is no guarantee for future success. There are teams that at one time dominated Italian soccer for many years and now are only relevant in history books ("Il Grande Torino" and Pro-Vercelli* come to mind). Hate to say this, but if Berlu does not sell we risk ending up the same way. We have been on a downwards spiral for nearly a decade, and IMHO our current management is incapable of getting us out of it. "Italian Milan" is a great idea, but I do not see us being successful with that. Bottom line, I will be patient (stuck with it through our days in Serie B ), but I am rather frustrated and seriously concerned. We need a drastic change, and we need it ASAP !!!

(*) Incidentally, my grandmother was from Vercelli, and lived through their "glory days" (7 scudetti!). I believe my grand-uncle used to hang out with some of the players.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 10 2016, 06:54 PM

"Italian Milan" is a far cry from a great idea because Italian football truly lacks real talent at the moment.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 10 2016, 06:57 PM

I read on Mediaset that today Zapata and Vergara will extend their contracts.

Vergara??? Do you guys even remember him? And why the hell are we gonna extend his contract??? This management is so weird.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 10 2016, 08:46 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jun 10 2016, 06:57 PM) *
I read on Mediaset that today Zapata and Vergara will extend their contracts.

Vergara??? Do you guys even remember him? And why the hell are we gonna extend his contract??? This management is so weird.

Apparently he's doing well with his Serie B side (can't even remember who they are) maybe they see a good opportunity to sell him to a mid-table side in Serie A in the future unsure.gif

Not even going to get into the Zapata thing rolleyes.gif

Worse than the Monto decision, this guy is clueless and an accident waiting to happen at all times

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Jun 10 2016, 11:38 PM

When will the deal be closed?

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jun 11 2016, 12:16 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jun 10 2016, 07:54 PM) *
"Italian Milan" is a far cry from a great idea because Italian football truly lacks real talent at the moment.

Good point, though I believe that the idea is to look for "new talent" rather than established players. But it does not matter, even if Italy was full of talent you need a capable management team for something like this to work.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 11 2016, 12:35 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Jun 10 2016, 11:38 PM) *
When will the deal be closed?

Deadline has been pushed to end of the month

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 12 2016, 10:06 AM

Now the Chinese shift interest to Giampaolo as coach if they take over. If this is a sign, it's a really bad one..

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Jun 13 2016, 12:13 AM

Sky, Di Marzio: Milan are interested in Shkodran Mustafi. Valencia want €15m for him.

Sky, Di Marzio: Milan have contacted Valencia to find an agreement for Shkodran Mustafi.

15m for Mustafi would be a steal. I hope this gets done as quickly as possible. Mustafi would be a perfect partner in defence for Romanogli.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jun 13 2016, 01:25 PM

Wouldn't that make it two young defenders? Also, worried after last night's performance if his price skyrockets. Hopefully Valencia still like us.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Jun 13 2016, 03:11 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Jun 13 2016, 03:25 PM) *
Wouldn't that make it two young defenders? Also, worried after last night's performance if his price skyrockets. Hopefully Valencia still like us.


He is 24 years old but he already has plenty of experience, he also featured in last World Cup competition. I was very surprised to see that we was linked with us for 15m. I would easily pay 25-30m for him any day. He knows Serie A quite good from his 2 year spell with Sampdoria too.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 13 2016, 03:51 PM

Btw. apart from that goal, anyone noticed how awful he was yesterday?

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jun 14 2016, 06:53 AM

I didn't see the game to be honest. So I wouldn't know. All the reports said he stepped in and for a fourth choice CB was very good in the game.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 15 2016, 09:22 AM

Looks like the Chinese deal is about to be closed.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Jun 16 2016, 01:43 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jun 15 2016, 05:22 AM) *
Looks like the Chinese deal is about to be closed.

I doubt it.

The Kaka Saga
Mister X,
Mr Bee,
Season-long Public statements about the coach's job being under-fire.

When have Milan ever shown that they can do anything major in a terse period of time?
I'd argue they exhaust every last televised second stretching-out or postponing major decisions.
Not since maybe the double salvo of Robinho + Ibra at the end of the transfer market has something been done rapidly.I can hardly imagine a world where Berlu doesn't pull-out at the eleventh hour, motivated by recent political losses, and decide to keep Milan, bring in Gianpaolo--no one's serious idea of a saviour--, invest 15-30M and call it a day.

I'm certain that this won't be done by this time next week.

And, holy lord would I love to be made a fool on this point.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 16 2016, 02:49 PM

We'll see. Transfers saga's have little to do this one though.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jun 19 2016, 09:02 AM

QUOTE (il_diavolo_mtl @ Jun 16 2016, 02:43 PM) *
I doubt it.

The Kaka Saga
Mister X,
Mr Bee,
Season-long Public statements about the coach's job being under-fire.

When have Milan ever shown that they can do anything major in a terse period of time?
I'd argue they exhaust every last televised second stretching-out or postponing major decisions.
Not since maybe the double salvo of Robinho + Ibra at the end of the transfer market has something been done rapidly.I can hardly imagine a world where Berlu doesn't pull-out at the eleventh hour, motivated by recent political losses, and decide to keep Milan, bring in Gianpaolo--no one's serious idea of a saviour--, invest 15-30M and call it a day.

I'm certain that this won't be done by this time next week.

And, holy lord would I love to be made a fool on this point.

I am getting a bad feeling about this one. Not sure it will close, and if it does close it will probably take a long time. Really, really, really hope to be wrong ...

Posted by: han2503 Jun 19 2016, 09:44 AM

I think we've all learned our lesson by now when it comes to Silvio, So I'm not believing anything or getting my hopes up until everything is official and even then I'd be wary and wait until guys like Galliani first and foremost are out the door before I can truly get on board. We've all been burned one too many times now

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 19 2016, 01:15 PM

Does this group own a Chinese team too? I saw a very interesting piece about how Inter will potentially use their owners Chinese based team as a way around FFP.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 19 2016, 03:04 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Jun 19 2016, 01:15 PM) *
Does this group own a Chinese team too? I saw a very interesting piece about how Inter will potentially use their owners Chinese based team as a way around FFP.

I think so. Guangzhou Evergrande FC IIRC

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jun 20 2016, 08:33 AM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Jun 19 2016, 07:45 PM) *
Does this group own a Chinese team too? I saw a very interesting piece about how Inter will potentially use their owners Chinese based team as a way around FFP.


Oh? Could you share the link, or a small explanation on how?

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 20 2016, 04:08 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Jun 20 2016, 09:33 AM) *
Oh? Could you share the link, or a small explanation on how?

I can't find the link, but I read that the Chinese club that their owner owns would pay the transfer fee then basically loan the player to Inter. So Inter do not have the cost of the player (or even wages, possibly) against their finances.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 20 2016, 07:42 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Jun 20 2016, 04:08 PM) *
I can't find the link, but I read that the Chinese club that their owner owns would pay the transfer fee then basically loan the player to Inter. So Inter do not have the cost of the player (or even wages, possibly) against their finances.

I read something about them wanting to get Vazquez in this manner, though he would only join Inter in January.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jun 23 2016, 11:30 PM

Looks like we got http://www.calciomercato.com/news/clamoroso-il-milan-ha-preso-lapadula-domani-le-visite-mediche-543950. Dunno much, but we are talking about https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianluca_Lapadula. Does anyone understand the logic?

Edit: He is Italian, which may be an indication that Berlu believes the sale will not go through.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jun 24 2016, 07:59 AM

I don't mind this transfer - with Balotelli, Menez, Boateng, Adriano and possibly Bacca out, we are extremely short in the forwards department. Need to land prospects when they show up.

I read we are chasing Vasquez but costs are prohibitive. Meanwhile also rumours we shall hijack Ibra if the acquisition goes through.


Btw does Brexit mean that EPL will now have a harder time with transfers?

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 24 2016, 08:37 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jun 23 2016, 11:30 PM) *
Looks like we got http://www.calciomercato.com/news/clamoroso-il-milan-ha-preso-lapadula-domani-le-visite-mediche-543950. Dunno much, but we are talking about https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianluca_Lapadula. Does anyone understand the logic?

Edit: He is Italian, which may be an indication that Berlu believes the sale will not go through.


I don't know him, but 30 goals and 12 assists in 46 games is a really good record, even for the Serie B. I also looked a few clips on YouTube and the guy clearly knows how to score. Problem is, with no service and the shitty midfield we currently have, we're not gonna go far.

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Jun 24 2016, 07:59 AM) *
Btw does Brexit mean that EPL will now have a harder time with transfers?


I read somewhere that transfers will cost much more.

Posted by: Ry4n Jun 25 2016, 10:52 AM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Jun 24 2016, 11:59 AM) *
Btw does Brexit mean that EPL will now have a harder time with transfers?

Yes maybe in terms of work permits but this won't happen for another two years...

Posted by: han2503 Jun 25 2016, 05:29 PM

I honestly don't know what to think atm.

Most reports saying that the exclusivity deal will expire on July 7th and that's when the sale will be officially announced.

But the current rumours with regards to transfers clearly show that nothing has changed in terms of how we operate on the market. Galliani still clearly has all the power in terms of decision making. And we're only being linked to strikers and attacking mids which is the usual for Milan with Berlu and Galliani seemingly changing the forward line each season.

We're being linked to Pavoletti still (when the day comes when we're not trying to suck on Preziosi's b@lls is the day I'l finally believe we're rid of Galliani), Vazquez (I like him but I don't think he's worth as much as Palermo want for him), Saponara (haven't we learnt our lesson with this kid? I know we were quick to cast him aside but I just don't think he's cut out for the expectations at a big club) and Pjaca (maybe Fillipo can tell us a bit about him).

All this just reeks of Galliani and Berlu tbh. I just don't see anything fresh in terms of ideas. And honestly if we're going to have big to do owner with cash to spend, these wouldn't be the type of moves we'd be making.

Scouring the mid-table clubs in the league for half decent performing players from last season. Pavoletti barely looks half decent yet we're willing to hand Genoa big cash for him apparently. I'd rather off that 20m in salaries for Ibra over 2 years than a transfer fee for this sort of player

I've also read that we won't really see the spending power of the Chinese until January and this summer will be left to the current management with just a 50m transfer budget for Galliani to waste away. Which would mean another season down the drain.

I gues we'll know more once the coach is announce. If Brocchi is confirmed that just screams trouble in my mind

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 28 2016, 09:43 AM

While the latest reports go clearly in favor of Milan striking a deal with the Chinese, I don't know what to say about the almost certain appointment of Montella as our coach.

If this is the start of a new era, I'm already disappointed.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jun 28 2016, 02:37 PM

Good news: (though this is not yet official) it sounds like 80% of Milan is sold

Not so good news: for the next three years, Berlu remains president and Galliani will be in charge of our transfer market (aaargh!!!). We will have a new "amministratore delegato" (Nicholas Gangikoff).

http://www.goal.com/it/news/7078/cronaca/2016/06/28/25137222/milan-cinese-ceduto-l80-annuncio-ufficiale-la-prossima?ICID=HP_BN_11

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jun 28 2016, 02:42 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jun 28 2016, 10:43 AM) *
While the latest reports go clearly in favor of Milan striking a deal with the Chinese, I don't know what to say about the almost certain appointment of Montella as our coach.

If this is the start of a new era, I'm already disappointed.

IMHO, he is better than most of our recent choices, and I do like his style of play. In any case, AFAIAC what matters most right now is is re-building the team, and all that depends on (1) how much money the new owners will invest, (2) how badly Galliani will use it, and (3) how many more strikers Berlu will want him to get.

Edit: should add that right now I don't think we will get a "top tier" coach, at least not until there is evidence that we have serious management and decent funding.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 28 2016, 03:36 PM

IMO our recent choices were poor, so there's not much to compare Montella with other then amateurs and half-amateurs.

Hiring an ambitious coach is the first step that would show me things are turning to our advantage. With Montella we once again get a young and unproven coach without any real experience at big clubs. I don't get how our board can't understand that we need that kind of stability and experience right now.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jun 28 2016, 05:44 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jun 28 2016, 04:36 PM) *
IMO our recent choices were poor, so there's not much to compare Montella with other then amateurs and half-amateurs.

Hiring an ambitious coach is the first step that would show me things are turning to our advantage. With Montella we once again get a young and unproven coach without any real experience at big clubs. I don't get how our board can't understand that we need that kind of stability and experience right now.

Hate to say this, but we are no longer a "big club" these days (based on recent track record), and Montella did coach a club that in the last few years has been "bigger" than us. I think he is a decent coach and plays an attractive game.

Look at this differently. Realistically speaking, who do you think we can attract at the present time? We are one of the worse managed teams (and it looks like that's not gonna change for at least three years), we are sacking coaches more often than Zamparini, the change of ownership brings a great deal of uncertainty, we have been out of Europe for a while, (most of) our players are crap, Serie A is not what it used to be, etc., etc.

Rebuild first, then go for glory !

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 28 2016, 05:50 PM

We're still big, never mind result. By big I mean organizational, staff, expectations, etc.

The problem is, I still think Pellegrini, Emery or even Louis van Gaal would consider coming to Milan. But I think we're not even trying to sign them.

Anyway, perhaps you're right. But then again coaches like Prandelli, hell even Zacceroni are free and I'd take them over someone like Montella in a heartbeat.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 28 2016, 05:55 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jun 28 2016, 09:43 AM) *
While the latest reports go clearly in favor of Milan striking a deal with the Chinese, I don't know what to say about the almost certain appointment of Montella as our coach.

If this is the start of a new era, I'm already disappointed.

Well, considering that Silvio wanted to keep Brocchi, it's still a relief to bring someone in who I consider at the least decent. I like Montella and I like his style. Obviously he's not who I would be looking to if we really want to be making a huge stride forward next season but looking at the players we're considering signing, I really don't think that's the case. We'll see what happens but if Silvio and Galliani are still running the show for now I don't expect much to change, even if technically the club has been sold

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jun 28 2016, 02:42 PM) *
IMHO, he is better than most of our recent choices, and I do like his style of play. In any case, AFAIAC what matters most right now is is re-building the team, and all that depends on (1) how much money the new owners will invest, (2) how badly Galliani will use it, and (3) how many more strikers Berlu will want him to get.

Edit: should add that right now I don't think we will get a "top tier" coach, at least not until there is evidence that we have serious management and decent funding.

I agreed about Montella, the thing that worries me the most right now is not that, it's the fact that Galliani is still going to be entrusted with the transfers.

Last summer he was given a big budget and he frankly wasted the majority of it. The man is clearly not fit for the job any longer. I do not understand why he is still going to be left to run the show in terms of transfers instead of bringing in a proper director of sport of handle it.

I understand why Silvio will stay on until the rest of the shares are sold. Why Galliani has to be part of the package is what I don't understand

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jun 28 2016, 03:36 PM) *
IMO our recent choices were poor, so there's not much to compare Montella with other then amateurs and half-amateurs.

Hiring an ambitious coach is the first step that would show me things are turning to our advantage. With Montella we once again get a young and unproven coach without any real experience at big clubs. I don't get how our board can't understand that we need that kind of stability and experience right now.

Agreed.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jun 28 2016, 07:22 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jun 28 2016, 06:55 PM) *
[...] the thing that worries me the most right now is [...] the fact that Galliani is still going to be entrusted with the transfers. Last summer he was given a big budget and he frankly wasted the majority of it. The man is clearly not fit for the job any longer.

I agree 100% with your concern.

QUOTE
I do not understand why he is still going to be left to run the show in terms of transfers instead of bringing in a proper director of sport of handle it. I understand why Silvio will stay on until the rest of the shares are sold. Why Galliani has to be part of the package is what I don't understand.

My guess is that Galliani has a "golden parachute" in his contract, so it would be real expensive to sack him.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 28 2016, 07:25 PM

Maybe a decade ago you could say that. Montella took a bad team to a European regular. That's something we haven't had for a few years. This isn't 2003 anymore, Milan are a bigger club than Fiorentina, but this is essentially a sideways step at best for him. So the idea that a top coach would take the job when Chelsea, Man City, Bayern Munich roles were all available was nothing but a dream.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jun 28 2016, 09:31 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Jun 28 2016, 08:25 PM) *
Maybe a decade ago you could say that. Montella took a bad team to a European regular. That's something we haven't had for a few years. This isn't 2003 anymore, Milan are a bigger club than Fiorentina, but this is essentially a sideways step at best for him. So the idea that a top coach would take the job when Chelsea, Man City, Bayern Munich roles were all available was nothing but a dream.

Yup, that is the point I was trying to make ...

BTW, EPL will be interesting this year with Mou, Guardiola, and Conte all leading top-tier teams.

Posted by: Ry4n Jun 28 2016, 09:43 PM

100% Official: Milan appoint Montella....

http://www.football-italia.net/86505/official-milan-appoint-montella

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 28 2016, 09:44 PM

That was quick considering how slow Milan makes its decision

Posted by: maldini03 Jun 28 2016, 10:41 PM

The situation could be worse, Montella isn't a bad coach. He had a real project going when he was at Fiorentina but the management pooped the bed. They didn't pay to keep Salah which he saw as a step back and the band broke up. At Samp, the team lost some pep when he got there. They lost Romagnoli, sold Eder, Regini left. The blame can't fall squarely on his shoulders.

The Chinese takeover brings hope though, something I feel like I have had none of this summer. Even if it's 3 years we finally have light at the end of the tunnel. Lapadula was a good buy as we will most surely lose Bacca. Maybe it's not the worst thing. We can get around 30 mil for him and that will hopefully be funneled into the team. This was the main problem with Berlu in the last few years. We were making the money by selling our stars and that money would go right towards covering the losses. Hopefully that isn't the case any longer. Getting 30 mil for an admittedly deadly finished will be mitigated by the re purposing of that money to other positions. Foundation is built from the back forward. Juve haven't had the most dangerous strikers in recent years yet their defense and midfield put them in the conversation with teams like Barca, Real, and Bayern.

Donna and Romag are a good start, hopefully some money goes to a new cb to play next to Romag and a midfielder or two. With Montella comes the possibility of Soriano which wouldn't be terrible. If I remember correctly Fiorentina employed wingers when Montella was there which could see us looking towards Pjanca who is at least a promising young player.

If the highlight reel is any indication Lapa looks to be strong in the air and more of a mobile player. He also has a knack for that final ball as well as the ability to find the net himself. Hopefully his Serie B form translates. All in all he is a good striker with the ability to be part of a committee. IMO could be a steal for 10 mil.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jun 29 2016, 07:03 AM

laugh.gif I'm in the minority then. I still don't think we wasted the majority of the transfer money this season. There was really only Bertolacci and the jury is still out. What if he turns out good this season. It won't be the first time we've had such a case in football, when someone turned things around.

I'm on the fence with Montella. I think he is definitely an ambitious coach, and he has played football in the recent era so he should in 'theory' connect with the dressing room - but has not been known as a character. Will he put those dgaf players into line or will he crib and demand transfers as the solution to everything?

If we're having Montella, we need to get a couple of leaders in the dressing room. We know Montolivo is no captain, and Abate doesn't have the CV to pull it off.

Posted by: Ry4n Jun 29 2016, 02:40 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Jun 29 2016, 11:03 AM) *
If we're having Montella, we need to get a couple of leaders in the dressing room. We know Montolivo is no captain, and Abate doesn't have the CV to pull it off.

Bring us Van Bommel !!

Posted by: han2503 Jun 29 2016, 09:19 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Jun 28 2016, 07:25 PM) *
Maybe a decade ago you could say that. Montella took a bad team to a European regular. That's something we haven't had for a few years. This isn't 2003 anymore, Milan are a bigger club than Fiorentina, but this is essentially a sideways step at best for him. So the idea that a top coach would take the job when Chelsea, Man City, Bayern Munich roles were all available was nothing but a dream.

Having said that (I agree with your points), don't you think we could have looked at a bigger name with more experience? Pellegrini was available, I don't think he's spectacular or anything close to that but I think he's good and he's had success with smaller teams.

I just feel like this appointment and all the players we're looking at reek of Berlu and Galliani's work. We've signed an Italian Serie B striker to (most likely) replace Bacca. We're looking at guys like Soriano for the midfield when we should be looking at much better players especially in that position.

It feels like the ridiculous ItalMilan plan is still underway and that just plain scares the sh!t out of me

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Jun 29 2016, 07:03 AM) *
laugh.gif I'm in the minority then. I still don't think we wasted the majority of the transfer money this season. There was really only Bertolacci and the jury is still out. What if he turns out good this season. It won't be the first time we've had such a case in football, when someone turned things around.

I'm on the fence with Montella. I think he is definitely an ambitious coach, and he has played football in the recent era so he should in 'theory' connect with the dressing room - but has not been known as a character. Will he put those dgaf players into line or will he crib and demand transfers as the solution to everything?

If we're having Montella, we need to get a couple of leaders in the dressing room. We know Montolivo is no captain, and Abate doesn't have the CV to pull it off.

Bertalocci is weak, both physically and mentally. He's just not good enough and certainly not worth the money Galliani wasted on him when we could have gotten Witsel for that amount

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jun 30 2016, 08:00 AM

Yeah Bertolacci. Maybe he'll show us something. Or maybe he's another player like Poli. Great in a mid-tier side.

But you're right no big names are being talked about. I think those will come into play only once the takeover is made official - if it becomes official at all. The Chinese investors will want to take credit for the big buys and so we wouldn't hear about them now.

Other news, de Sciglio has been declared unselleable along with Gigio. Calabria may therefore be loaned out to Cagliari.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 30 2016, 08:35 AM

Calabria is a right back though, yes?

As for Bertolacci, I don't think he's any good. Looks to me completely useless, but hey we paid much for him, perhaps we should try another time. Pirlo wasn't any good at Inter as well.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jun 30 2016, 10:13 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jun 30 2016, 03:05 PM) *
Calabria is a right back though, yes?

As for Bertolacci, I don't think he's any good. Looks to me completely useless, but hey we paid much for him, perhaps we should try another time. Pirlo wasn't any good at Inter as well.


I feel the problem is Bertolacci plays the exact same position as Bonaventura but in a different sort of way. If we only had a Di Maria sort of player to play in our deep midfield, a player like Bertolacci then becomes a huge asset, because there is someone who is running into space and attacking the goal.

Both Jack and Berto are more ponderous on the ball. Jack much less so, plus he isn't afraid to dribble at the flanks and cut in. Hence he's an automatic selection.

Soriano brought in will almost definitely spell the end of Berto though. Don't think he can be deep lying mid at all.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 30 2016, 05:01 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Jun 30 2016, 08:00 AM) *
Yeah Bertolacci. Maybe he'll show us something. Or maybe he's another player like Poli. Great in a mid-tier side.

But you're right no big names are being talked about. I think those will come into play only once the takeover is made official - if it becomes official at all. The Chinese investors will want to take credit for the big buys and so we wouldn't hear about them now.

Other news, de Sciglio has been declared unselleable along with Gigio. Calabria may therefore be loaned out to Cagliari.

That's my personal opinion of him yes. I really don't think he'll be any good for us and the only reason we'll try to make it work is because he cost us so much. Especially when we could have gotten Witsel last summer for the kind of money we spent on Berto

What worries me most is that we're basically looking at the same type of player that we have been looking at for years now. Scouring the league for mid-level talent who just had a slightly above average season with the likes of Genoa, Empoli etc.

If we're going after Italian players then we should be looking at the really talented ones like Berardi for example (Montella will use wingers I'm hearing). If we have money to spend then we should go for the right kind of talent not just random names simply because of who their agent is or because they play for Genoa.

I honestly don't know when we'll see the true spending power of the new owners. It's not even really official yet so all the cynicism from us (especially me) might be premature, but we've been burned one too many times now

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jun 30 2016, 08:35 AM) *
Calabria is a right back though, yes?

As for Bertolacci, I don't think he's any good. Looks to me completely useless, but hey we paid much for him, perhaps we should try another time. Pirlo wasn't any good at Inter as well.

They're going to send him on loan though. I think that we signed Vangioni as well (don't ask, I really don't know anything about this but read it earlier this summer. Don't even know if it's official tbh)

So I think they might be going for DS, Abate for the right side, Antonelli and this guy for the left. (I think DS is a much better LB than he is a RB but that's whole other conversation altogether)

Also, I've been reading around and apparently Montella wants quality mids, especially a regista, so expect us to be linked to every mid in the league. So far it's Soriano, Kovacic, Paredes, Fernando, Zielinski and Badelj

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Jun 30 2016, 10:13 AM) *
I feel the problem is Bertolacci plays the exact same position as Bonaventura but in a different sort of way. If we only had a Di Maria sort of player to play in our deep midfield, a player like Bertolacci then becomes a huge asset, because there is someone who is running into space and attacking the goal.

Both Jack and Berto are more ponderous on the ball. Jack much less so, plus he isn't afraid to dribble at the flanks and cut in. Hence he's an automatic selection.

Soriano brought in will almost definitely spell the end of Berto though. Don't think he can be deep lying mid at all.

Meh, I don't think they have anything to do with each other. Bona is a LM, he can play centrally but I think he works best a bit wide and advanced. Berto is more of a box-to-box type player. And he's not really good at either tracking back or really bombing forward with purpose

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jun 30 2016, 06:03 PM

Sounds like we have new owners, and there will be an http://www.calciomercato.com/news/milan-ai-cinesi-a-settembre-alla-cerimonia-anche-il-governo-cine-204849.

With that in mind, I would not count on anything spectacular during the Summer transfer season. I am hoping that we can do something more substantial in the Winter transfer window.

Even on a limited budget in theory we could make some meaningful changes. However, I am expecting more of the same.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 30 2016, 09:27 PM

ibra has announced that he will go to man u

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 30 2016, 11:22 PM

Very indicative. I think he waited to see how things will turn out with Milan. Since he's picked ManU, I suppose it isn't rosy.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jul 1 2016, 05:36 AM

I love Ibra. (not as much as Porty, but I still love him). That said, I think Man Utd was a sensible choice. It has nothing to do with Milan I think. Man Utd gave him a one-year contract with crazy money. He gets to be in one more top team and cement his legend. He probably no longer has the time to play in Bundesliga now.

And as for Man Utd and Mourinho, he gets a sworn Guardiola hater in his team. Expect the press to have a field day now.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 1 2016, 06:38 AM

Perhaps, but why did he then wait so long to confirm?

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jul 1 2016, 11:05 AM

I believe, it was because of the Euros.I think he is a team first sort of individual. I suppose he didn't want the news of his move to Man Utd overshadowing Sweden and their preparations. In fact he hasn't talked about his transfer much till recently. He only brought up this own clothing line.

But in other news, I did hear that one of the conditions Man Utd raised was that he must retire from Sweden before signing for them and things becoming official. I doubt Milan was ever on the cards. One of the things he has said is "I'll never go back to a place where I created history." You could say that about Milan and him.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 1 2016, 11:19 PM

Yeah, I don't think Milan was ever a possibility for Ibra.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 2 2016, 09:28 AM

We'll never know. But I'm not convinced with the whole Euros and Sweden thing. Ibra had an announcement ready but delayed it on the last minute. But who knows...

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 3 2016, 10:46 AM

So, Milan being linked with Mati Fernandez, Badelj, Zielinski, Vazquez and now Sneijder. There's also Pjaca, wanted by Inter and Juventus as well.

For the defense, Arbeloa and Benatia (probably to Juve) also mentioned. Thoughts?

Posted by: han2503 Jul 3 2016, 01:57 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 3 2016, 10:46 AM) *
So, Milan being linked with Mati Fernandez, Badelj, Zielinski, Vazquez and now Sneijder. There's also Pjaca, wanted by Inter and Juventus as well.

For the defense, Arbeloa and Benatia (probably to Juve) also mentioned. Thoughts?

Paredes and Kovacic are also heavily linked.

Well, my thoughts are is that at least we're being linked to the right type of mids.

Benatia will be going to Juve (What a defence they will have next season, although I do not understand the move from the player's perspective tbh, going from one bench to another seems pointless), we simply do not have the management with the type of ingenuity needed to hi-jack this sort of deal. And he'll be going for an absolute steal as well, I read loan with obligation to buy for 18m, makes me want to weep.

I think Mati Fernandez and Badelj are pretty average, I don't really think they'll improve us all that much.

Zielinski and Vazquez are both very interesting players and I'd be happy with either as both would be massive improvements on what we have. Paredes as well looked very good with Empoli last season. I mean, all these guys would easily move Monto, Kucka or whoever to the bench imo.

Kovacic is the name that really gets me excited though. I really like him and his style.

Sneijder is past it, don't know why we'd even consider him, and this coming from someone who's been a huge admirer of his throughout his career. We'd be signing him 10 years too late, but I guess that's the way we do things at Milan

Btw Fillipo, what's your verdict on Pjaca, is he worth the fuss? He's being linked to a lot of clubs, and he comes with a pretty big price tag as well

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jul 4 2016, 03:00 AM

I agree with most of that.

Benatia would be great, but he's almost certainly the Cacares replacement in rotation with Barzagli.

I think Fernandez and Badelj are good players, but I think they are more of the same. We need to improve rather than add depth and Zielinski, Vazquez, Parades and Kovacic would both be improvements and the creative types we need.

As for Sneijder, the fact he's called to ask to go back to Inter and they've said "Ehhh, if you lower your wage demands a lot, then maybe we'll think about it... possibly... or not" kind of speaks volumes.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jul 5 2016, 02:08 PM

http://www.football-italia.net/86836/berlusconi-i-sold-milan


Comments

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 5 2016, 02:44 PM

Pjaca is a big question mark, just as well as Kovačić to me. Mateo has terrific potential, but the level he sunk to in just one season of unregular play at Real Madrid makes me question his true depth and mental strength. But he's far superior to any of the other players mentioned/linked with Milan.

I read Milan is also linked with Gomez and Musacci (FI).


Posted by: X-Offender Jul 5 2016, 10:14 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Jul 5 2016, 02:08 PM) *
http://www.football-italia.net/86836/berlusconi-i-sold-milan


Comments


Well, if the man himself says so, then I guess it's finally time to rejoice.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jul 5 2016, 10:18 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 5 2016, 11:14 PM) *
Well, if the man himself says so, then I guess it's finally time to rejoice.


finger crossed but lets hope so.

I think his son also confirmed that.


Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 6 2016, 12:06 AM

But very strange.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 6 2016, 12:40 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 6 2016, 12:06 AM) *
But very strange.


What is?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 6 2016, 08:45 AM

The whole thing. One would expect they make a big announcement and add some flavor to it. The way Berlu bluntly talked to the media and said everything is a bit curious judging from past experiences.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 6 2016, 08:47 AM

Oh, and what I don't understand is why do we need to let go of Bacca?

Posted by: han2503 Jul 6 2016, 08:50 AM

It seems like the Italian news outlets are going nuts with the rumours atm. Apparently Silvio negotiated for a lower sale price in order to guarantee more money going directly into the transfer market. Don't know if he quoted the figure himself but it's being reported that we'll have 400m to spend over the next 2 years. If true this will be the start of Milan getting back to where it belongs.

That kind of money worries me when it's in Galliani's hands. That being said, it's also reported that Montella will have an influence, plus Gancikoff will be the new CEO with Galliani remaining Vice-President (for now at least). So I'm hoping this will temper Galliani a bit from trying to strike deals to only make his friends happy. I read somewhere (I'll try to find the link) that we paid more in agent fees than Bayern and Juve combined!!

So just to list the names we've been linked with most of these coming from Sky, GDS and Corriere

- Musacchio - Plays for Sevilla, I think he's a really promising defender, they want around 25m for him, we're offering around 18m to 20m
Mustafi is apparently the backup option

- Valero, Kovacic, Zielinski, Paredes and Andre Gomes have all been linked, latest 2 names have been Martinez and Verratti, but the last 2 names I just thing the papers are going overboard now that the sale of the club is confirmed from the man himself.

I'd personally take all of Valero, Kovacic and Paredes if I had the choice. We need a complete overhaul in that midfield and I think it's a good mix of creative/technical players. Valero being the older player who I think can make an instant impact.

Bacca will most definately be sold. I personally don't understand the thinking behind this since he managed to score 20 goal with a terrible supporting cast behind him, if we can manage to build a good team for next season he'd be scoring for fun. That being said he is 30 and from a financial perspective I can sort of understand why they would sell him now before his value plunges. (Atletico Madrid seem interested and would be willing to offer 25m for him)

Name I read could be on the way out: Niang, Poli, Mauri, Menez, Honda, Locatelli, Lopez (close to Chelsea, we could get 10m for him), Ely and probably Adriano as well

Posted by: han2503 Jul 6 2016, 08:52 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 6 2016, 08:45 AM) *
The whole thing. One would expect they make a big announcement and add some flavor to it. The way Berlu bluntly talked to the media and said everything is a bit curious judging from past experiences.

GdS said there will be a ceremony once the sale is 100% complete (not official, that will most likely be next week, I think they're calling it the preliminary. It will be totally complete in September)

Posted by: han2503 Jul 6 2016, 08:57 AM

€1.1 billion for new Milan
By Football Italia staff

Milan's new ownership will invest a total of €1.1 billion for the club's purchase and renaissance.

With the sale confirmed by president Silvio Berlusconi, albeit to a conglomerate the identity of which still hasn't been made public, much is expected to change at Milanello.

Along with the reshuffling of the board of directors, the Gazzetta dello Sport has run a report on the financial details of the operation.

Fininvest will be paid €450-500m for the purchase of 80 per cent of the club's shares. The Chinese will also assume the debt of €200m that burdens the Rossoneri.

Berlusconi also compelled them to agree to a €400m investment on the market and the club's resources. While the media mogul originally claimed this would be paid over two seasons, La Gazzetta reports that in fact it'll be spread over three years.

The new owners will intervene on the market right away, with the target of bringing Milan back to the Europa League and, ideally, in the Champions League.

They will attempt to increase the Diavolo's revenue by means of new partnerships in China and by improving the marketability of the brand. The new relationship with the club's sponsorship advisor Infront is yet to be defined.

Milan, unlike Inter, are currently not restrained by Financial Fair Play limitations, and as new investors, they will be allowed to hit a budget deficit at the end of their first season and balance it back later. This means that they can be expected to spend some very substantial amounts on the market this summer.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jul 6 2016, 10:09 AM

Our club website has a new look that I only saw now. It looks nice actually. A lot of the old annoyances are gone.

Interesting to read about all the transfer rumours. Also when one considers that this season we are allowed a budget deficit under FFP rules. Curious about what happens next.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 6 2016, 11:20 AM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Jul 6 2016, 10:09 AM) *
Our club website has a new look that I only saw now. It looks nice actually. A lot of the old annoyances are gone.

Interesting to read about all the transfer rumours. Also when one considers that this season we are allowed a budget deficit under FFP rules. Curious about what happens next.

It appears there's a whole re-branding situation going on. Milan Channel is now Milan TV as well. I guess it's because the media/PR side of things will now fall under different hands.

Jack Ma and Robin Li are apparently part of the consortium as well as the Evergrande Group and going by what Silvio said, the Chinese state also has a stake...

http:///profile/robin-li/

http:///profile/jack-ma/

http:///lists/2008/10/billionaires08_Xu-Jiayin_3WN8.html

Reading through Forbes, Jack Ma has a minority share in the Evergrande group as well which is owned by Xu-Jiayin

So I guess that's the link, don't know anymore names from the consortium, but hopefully we'll know more soon (Hopefully once the preliminary agreement is signed next week)

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 6 2016, 09:34 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 6 2016, 08:50 AM) *
- Valero, Kovacic, Zielinski, Paredes and Andre Gomes have all been linked, latest 2 names have been Martinez and Verratti, but the last 2 names I just thing the papers are going overboard now that the sale of the club is confirmed from the man himself.


I'd take only Kovacic. If we're going to spend a lot this summer let's spend it wisely instead of going after the next Bertolacci.

Sortmediaset says Galliani was in Zagreb today where he met Pjaca's agent. We've offered around 20 million, more than anyone.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 7 2016, 01:16 AM

I will wait for an official announcement before getting too excited. But it feels like we are heading in the right direction. All depends on how much say Galliani actually has on the market. Also, as usual the challenge will be getting rid of our over-paid mediocre players.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jul 7 2016, 06:34 AM

Football-Italia is running a story saying Pjaca's bid has been accepted and Dortmund are the only competition. We're offering 20 MM with 5 MM as bonuses.

Dortmund being excited actually leads me to think this might be a good purchase! biggrin.gif

I know this is an unpopular opinion, but I'm hoping we are now going to see a renaissance of Galliani the transfer master. There was a time when we had the cash flowing that Galliani was untouchable. That was 6 years ago but still...


Posted by: han2503 Jul 7 2016, 09:14 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 6 2016, 09:34 PM) *
I'd take only Kovacic. If we're going to spend a lot this summer let's spend it wisely instead of going after the next Bertolacci.

Sortmediaset says Galliani was in Zagreb today where he met Pjaca's agent. We've offered around 20 million, more than anyone.

Really? You wouldn't take Valero or Andre Gomes if we had the chance?

Plus I think Kovacic is a totally different type of mid to the others mentioned. Paredes, Valero and Andre Gomes are all pure CMs (regista types) Kovacic can play as an AM or as a side mid in a more attacking capacity.

I think we need both types of mids in our midfield, it can’t be just one or we’re stuck with Monto, Kucka or Bertolacci again and if we want to do better next season we need better players in there.

I’d take Kovacic definitely and Valero would be a short term solution until we find someone to make that spot his own for the next 10 years. But I don’t think that can happen this summer which is why Valero would be a smart move imo

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Jul 7 2016, 06:34 AM) *
Football-Italia is running a story saying Pjaca's bid has been accepted and Dortmund are the only competition. We're offering 20 MM with 5 MM as bonuses.

Dortmund being excited actually leads me to think this might be a good purchase! biggrin.gif

I know this is an unpopular opinion, but I'm hoping we are now going to see a renaissance of Galliani the transfer master. There was a time when we had the cash flowing that Galliani was untouchable. That was 6 years ago but still...

6 years is an understatement. Galliani has been going downhill for a while now. Probably coinciding with the sale of Sheva, that’s how long we’ve been on a downhill slope. The spree in 2010 was nothing more than smoked and mirrors as we were forced to sell up only 2 summers later. Galliani was given money last summer and he flushed it down the toilet.

This summer though he will be tempered and there will be someone who is part of the Chinese consortium (Gancikoff) who will also have a major say. This isn’t Galliani running around with Berlu’s cash anymore, doing whatever he likes with it (mostly trying to please his friends like Kia, Raiola and Preziosi), this time he’ll have people to answer to, and I can’t imagine that he’ll be here for long should he have a summer similar to the last.

We have been buying high and selling low for a while now. For example, Juve make top dollar for the players they don’t want (let’s not get into how we financed their move for Tevez by buying Matri…), it’s being rumored now that Werder Bremen could make an offer of nearly 30m for Zaza (FFS!!), while we’re most likely to sell Bacca for that same price. We overpaid massively for Bertolacci who had done nothing prior to having a half decent season with Genoa. The only good move we made last summer was Romagnoli imo. The rest were ill-advised, and over-priced mistakes imo.

Here are a couple of tidbits from the twitter-sphere this morning

QUOTE
#Milan have an agreement with Dinamo Zagreb for Marko #Pjaca at €22-23M + bonuses. Pjaca will decide today as there are Dortmund and Juve who are also interested [Sky]

#Milan could close the deal for #Musscchio in the next days as they are nearing Villarreal's demands. [Sky]


Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 7 2016, 10:29 AM

What makes me a bit unconfortable is that we're about to spill almost 50M for two talented but still risky players. Pjaca has talent and footballing intelligence, but I'm not sure how good he is. It's very hard to judge a player playing our league and only a handful of CL or important games. This can turn easily one way or the other.

As for Mussachio - this makes me even more skeptical. Sure potential. But what we really need is a complete defender, a leader of defense who could lead Romagnoli and command us. Can that be Mussachio? I doubt it.

Bottom line is, we we'll get two prospects for 50M. Which leaves still the midfield to be sorted out, still a commanding defender missing and still at least one extra player missing. Because we need such a player to reach a new level.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 7 2016, 08:57 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 7 2016, 11:29 AM) *
What makes me a bit unconfortable is that we're about to spill almost 50M for two talented but still risky players. Pjaca has talent and footballing intelligence, but I'm not sure how good he is. It's very hard to judge a player playing our league and only a handful of CL or important games. This can turn easily one way or the other.

As for Mussachio - this makes me even more skeptical. Sure potential. But what we really need is a complete defender, a leader of defense who could lead Romagnoli and command us. Can that be Mussachio? I doubt it.

Bottom line is, we we'll get two prospects for 50M. Which leaves still the midfield to be sorted out, still a commanding defender missing and still at least one extra player missing. Because we need such a player to reach a new level.

At this stage, I think we need to take a bit of a chance on younger players. We are not going to attract established top talent, not until we get back to European competition.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 7 2016, 10:00 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 7 2016, 09:14 AM) *
Really? You wouldn't take Valero or Andre Gomes if we had the chance?

Plus I think Kovacic is a totally different type of mid to the others mentioned. Paredes, Valero and Andre Gomes are all pure CMs (regista types) Kovacic can play as an AM or as a side mid in a more attacking capacity.

I think we need both types of mids in our midfield, it can’t be just one or we’re stuck with Monto, Kucka or Bertolacci again and if we want to do better next season we need better players in there.

I’d take Kovacic definitely and Valero would be a short term solution until we find someone to make that spot his own for the next 10 years. But I don’t think that can happen this summer which is why Valero would be a smart move imo


I don't think they're much better from what we currently have.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 7 2016, 11:13 PM

Apparently we're close to signing Jose Sosa (31) from Besiktas. Source: Gazzetta

rolleyes.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 7 2016, 11:51 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 8 2016, 12:00 AM) *
I don't think they're much better from what we currently have.

Who? Valero and Kovačić? They are miles, miles better. The only true organizer we have is Montolivo, whom you don't rate at all if I remember correctly. Having two more creative players would be a vast improvement.

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 8 2016, 01:13 AM) *
Apparently we're close to signing Jose Sosa (31) from Besiktas. Source: Gazzetta

rolleyes.gif

Must be a pre-sale story now published just for the sake of it.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 7 2016, 11:53 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jul 7 2016, 10:57 PM) *
At this stage, I think we need to take a bit of a chance on younger players. We are not going to attract established top talent, not until we get back to European competition.

Agreed, but I can't see how Musacchio and Romagnoli could work. Younger players is okay, as long as you have a good/solid defensive leader and one player with class. We lack both. And I don't think we're so bad we cannot attract at least someone in that range.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 7 2016, 11:54 PM

But could somebody explain the logic in selling Bacca to me?

Posted by: milanbuf88 Jul 8 2016, 07:14 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 7 2016, 07:54 PM) *
But could somebody explain the logic in selling Bacca to me?

He's an aging, one footed, poacher (all be it a very good one) whose value will likely only decrease from here on out. It's possible he doesn't fit into Montella's plans.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jul 8 2016, 07:27 AM

^^ Yes, more or less.

He's 30. His limitations have become quite visible and most importantly I read that the new coach wants a different type of player.

The bid from West Ham makes it convenient because most players would accept a move to London and it's a win-win.

Our forwards situation is still very dense remember; We have Matri, Menez, Lapadula, Niang, Luiz Adriano, Suso, Bacca and I don't know if anyone from the Primavera is stepping up. Plus Pjaca is a possibility.

We need to shed a lot of weight and probably come down to 4 or 5 forwards (if we're playing 4-3-3).


Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 8 2016, 07:37 AM

I'm still not convinced.

Last time I checked this man scored almost 20 goals, playing for a team with little creative force and idea. You made a list of our strikers, but failed to mention that 2/3 of the named players are completely useless. Don't tell me Montella is one of those coaches who doesn't pick regular strikers in his team. Look how that turned out for Germany yesterday.

Suso isn't a striker. Menez, Matri and Adriano are sub-par and should leave. This leaves us to one mid-age Serie B striker and perhaps Pjaca who's everything but a classic prima punta. To crack the various Chievo's and Cagliari's of Serie A, you still need that kind of a striker.

All in all - selling Bacca creates more problems IMO. And it solves little.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 8 2016, 07:48 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 7 2016, 11:51 PM) *
Who? Valero and Kovačić? They are miles, miles better. The only true organizer we have is Montolivo, whom you don't rate at all if I remember correctly. Having two more creative players would be a vast improvement.


Must be a pre-sale story now published just for the sake of it.


Kocacic yes, I already said that. However, I don't rate Valero that highly.

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 8 2016, 07:37 AM) *
I'm still not convinced.

Last time I checked this man scored almost 20 goals, playing for a team with little creative force and idea. You made a list of our strikers, but failed to mention that 2/3 of the named players are completely useless. Don't tell me Montella is one of those coaches who doesn't pick regular strikers in his team. Look how that turned out for Germany yesterday.

Suso isn't a striker. Menez, Matri and Adriano are sub-par and should leave. This leaves us to one mid-age Serie B striker and perhaps Pjaca who's everything but a classic prima punta. To crack the various Chievo's and Cagliari's of Serie A, you still need that kind of a striker.

All in all - selling Bacca creates more problems IMO. And it solves little.


Agreed. Inter signed Milito when he was 30, we signed Pippo when ge was 30, Juve signed Tevez when he was 30 and so on. Look how those deals turned out. Age isn't always an issue. Bacca has shown that he can score 20 goals with little to no service. He's a really good striker and it'd be madness to sell him now.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jul 8 2016, 07:53 AM

I don't know man. If the coach has a different tactical direction what're you going to do. And he's been angling for a move for sometime now.

And you said it yourself, in a team without service, would you continue to have him be average, or would you have a striker similar to the Pelle we saw for Italy? Who's effective for the playing XI as a hold-up man?


Besides it's all rumoured. For all you know he convinces the coach and he stays on. I no longer get excited by transfer rumours. It's like the Milan of the past 5 years has killed my joyous enthusiasm. Only us winning the CL again will bring it back. F@cking Rossoneri!

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 8 2016, 08:14 AM

Firstly, the Bacca rumors started much earlier then Montella was even on board. Secondly, unlike with De Sciglio, no one at Milan said something like "Bacca is indispensable" or at least "an important player".

Thirdly, I think Graziano Pelle is a vastly overrated player. I'd take Bacca over him or his type any day of the week. And for all we know, Milan already has support players like Niang and Menez, even Suso as you said. Pure strikers with a nose for goals are rare these days. What's the point in selling Bacca and the splashing the money strikers who "could be" the next Bacca?

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jul 8 2016, 09:29 AM

It makes sense to me (if the story is true at all) only on two things:

1. Bacca and his agent are making trouble. They want out unless <insert demand here>. If it's more wages I don't see it happening. I'd rather he move out.

2. We don't need a 'Bacca' type player at all. A goal poacher. Maybe we want more mobile forwards. Bacca has his weaknesses. He's singlefooted, he is not as good at taking on Serie A defenders one-on-one, he isn't physically dominant...but he is a lethal finisher. Maybe the former flaws outweigh the latter benefits for the coach and his style.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 8 2016, 11:55 AM

Apparently our bid for Sosa got rejected (don't know if we're even interested in this guy at all. But the media seem to think we want him...)

Names like this and Galliani mentioning Papu Gomez is what scares the sh!t out of me and worries me that nothing at Milan has changed.

Let's hope this preliminary signing goes through next week (everyone seems sure that it will be on the 12th), Bee coming out and declaring that Silvio shouldn't sell and that he has an offer to buy a minority shares scares me. If you read the article you would think it was something out of one of Silvio's wet dreams

I read somewhere that Galliani will take on a consultancy role for 1 to 2 years once the takeover is complete and then he'll be out. Plus he's working with Gancikoff now (as confirmed by himself yesterday in the press conference). So let's all pray that this thing FINALLY goes through next week (GdS saying that if anyone backs out after the preliminary is signed, they'll have to pay a 100m penalty)

As for the Bacca discussion. Going by what Montella said, I'm inclined to side with Jack on this one. It seems like he doesn't fit to the ideal of the type of striker Montella wants (he said he wants someone who's mobile, involved in the build-up and contributes to the game). And Bacca can't even be classified as someone who holds up the ball particularly well either. I'm thinking, if we do sell him, I'd rather stay with Adriano and Lapadula and heavily invest in the midfield. Juve won a Scudetto with Matri, Iaquinta and an over the hill Toni as strikers.

Having a great midfield and defence is what counts. And if selling Bacca means we'll invest more money into the midfield than I'm fine with it. A great striker could be a luxury signing next summer.

Also, another point, regarding Pjaca. I'm slightly worried about how much we're about to spend on this kid. Even his youtube vid doesn't look all that spectacular and I could manage to look great on a compilation... I feel like we're putting too many eggs in that basket just like we did with Bacca and Berto last summer.

@ Fillipo, I agree that the Bacca situation is strange, and you bring up a good point about how the club never denied anything about him considering the rumours have been flying about since even before the season ended. It feels like Galliani and Berlu were never all that enamoured by him, plus I do think that financially it's a good decision. His value will drop with every year, I don't think he'll be valued like Tevez or Ibra, his pace won't be the same as he ages and that will limit his effectiveness imo

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 8 2016, 06:02 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 8 2016, 11:55 AM) *
Apparently our bid for Sosa got rejected (don't know if we're even interested in this guy at all. But the media seem to think we want him...)

Names like this and Galliani mentioning Papu Gomez is what scares the sh!t out of me and worries me that nothing at Milan has changed.

Let's hope this preliminary signing goes through next week (everyone seems sure that it will be on the 12th), Bee coming out and declaring that Silvio shouldn't sell and that he has an offer to buy a minority shares scares me. If you read the article you would think it was something out of one of Silvio's wet dreams

I read somewhere that Galliani will take on a consultancy role for 1 to 2 years once the takeover is complete and then he'll be out. Plus he's working with Gancikoff now (as confirmed by himself yesterday in the press conference). So let's all pray that this thing FINALLY goes through next week (GdS saying that if anyone backs out after the preliminary is signed, they'll have to pay a 100m penalty)

As for the Bacca discussion. Going by what Montella said, I'm inclined to side with Jack on this one. It seems like he doesn't fit to the ideal of the type of striker Montella wants (he said he wants someone who's mobile, involved in the build-up and contributes to the game). And Bacca can't even be classified as someone who holds up the ball particularly well either. I'm thinking, if we do sell him, I'd rather stay with Adriano and Lapadula and heavily invest in the midfield. Juve won a Scudetto with Matri, Iaquinta and an over the hill Toni as strikers.

Having a great midfield and defence is what counts. And if selling Bacca means we'll invest more money into the midfield than I'm fine with it. A great striker could be a luxury signing next summer.

Also, another point, regarding Pjaca. I'm slightly worried about how much we're about to spend on this kid. Even his youtube vid doesn't look all that spectacular and I could manage to look great on a compilation... I feel like we're putting too many eggs in that basket just like we did with Bacca and Berto last summer.

@ Fillipo, I agree that the Bacca situation is strange, and you bring up a good point about how the club never denied anything about him considering the rumours have been flying about since even before the season ended. It feels like Galliani and Berlu were never all that enamoured by him, plus I do think that financially it's a good decision. His value will drop with every year, I don't think he'll be valued like Tevez or Ibra, his pace won't be the same as he ages and that will limit his effectiveness imo


Bacca is not just a poacher. Sure, he's not Ibra or Benzema, and he's not greater at protecting the ball like, say, Diego Costa, but he's fast, mobile and good with the ball at his feet. He knows how to dribble past opponents and has a great scoring intuition. He's very similar to Inzaghi in a way, just more technically gifted. I would hold strongly to him.

As for Pjaca, 20 million + bonuses is not that much honestly. It was a lot for Bertolacci because we'd already seen him play. The guy is 25 and it's perfectly clear he's not cut for the big stage. But Pjaca is barely 21, is considered a huge talent and many important teams are after him. It's a gamble, of course, but at least we're investing in a youngster with potential that could turn huge for us.

Anyway, I agree that our priority should be the midfield. We've stressed this enough. We need AT LEAST two creative mids who are actually good, not Montolivo or Valero level. Hopefully we get Kovacic.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 8 2016, 06:03 PM

I get your points, but I'm not sold on the whole story. Just wait and see, Bacca will be sold and then we'll land a striker which is in the same mold but not on same level, alla Pavoletti.

And your logic is flawed han. Juventus achieved big things with Pirlo on board, with a master defense of Chiellini, Bonucci and Barzagli combined with Buffon and a few other gems. Give me that kind of players and I'll gladly take Pavoletti or any other second-rate striker.

But up until now we haven't been linked with the Buffons and Pirlos of this world, but with Pape Gomez (?), Zielinski, Badelj, Mati Fernandez, Joaquin, Valero, Kovačić (perhaps the sole exciting name), etc.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 8 2016, 07:29 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 8 2016, 06:02 PM) *
Bacca is not just a poacher. Sure, he's not Ibra or Benzema, and he's not greater at protecting the ball like, say, Diego Costa, but he's fast, mobile and good with the ball at his feet. He knows how to dribble past opponents and has a great scoring intuition. He's very similar to Inzaghi in a way, just more technically gifted. I would hold strongly to him.

As for Pjaca, 20 million + bonuses is not that much honestly. It was a lot for Bertolacci because we'd already seen him play. The guy is 25 and it's perfectly clear he's not cut for the big stage. But Pjaca is barely 21, is considered a huge talent and many important teams are after him. It's a gamble, of course, but at least we're investing in a youngster with potential that could turn huge for us.

Anyway, I agree that our priority should be the midfield. We've stressed this enough. We need AT LEAST two creative mids who are actually good, not Montolivo or Valero level. Hopefully we get Kovacic.

I disagree about Bacca being a good dribbler. Anytime he tried to dribble around people last season he lost the ball.

I agree that he's similar to Pippo but more technically gifted (who isn't? Pippo could barely classify as a footballer imo). I just think that if we don't sell now the opportunity could be lost to get decent cash for him. That being said, I'm mostly trying to play devil's advocate here. I wouldn't mind keeping Bacca. I think he'd easily score double what he did last season with a proper midfield behind him, I'm mostly just trying to understand the logic. But like I said, it does mostly feel like Galliani and Berlu never really were all that into him, he was the second choice for them, and Bacca doesn't seem all that keen on staying either, let's be honest here.

As for Pjaca. I'm mostly worried about splurging so much from our budget on one players that's a complete gamble. I'd rather spend 30m on a great creative mid tbh.

Also, how can you even compare Valero with Monto? Valero imo is one of the best mids in the league and is exactly the type of "instant fix" player we need.

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 8 2016, 06:03 PM) *
I get your points, but I'm not sold on the whole story. Just wait and see, Bacca will be sold and then we'll land a striker which is in the same mold but not on same level, alla Pavoletti.

And your logic is flawed han. Juventus achieved big things with Pirlo on board, with a master defense of Chiellini, Bonucci and Barzagli combined with Buffon and a few other gems. Give me that kind of players and I'll gladly take Pavoletti or any other second-rate striker.

But up until now we haven't been linked with the Buffons and Pirlos of this world, but with Pape Gomez (?), Zielinski, Badelj, Mati Fernandez, Joaquin, Valero, Kovačić (perhaps the sole exciting name), etc.

Like I said, I'm mostly trying to be the devil's advocate here and trying to understand the logic behind selling him and putting my thoughts here. I don't know why they seem so eager to sell him tbh, I have no answer for you on that one.

Also, isn't that what I said about Juve? They had a terrible attack and built their success on having a great defence and a very strong midfield which they later continued to improve on. They later bought their attackers as luxury buys after they had established such a dominant midfield and defence. Sure they based all this on having a top notch coach which I don't think we have but having a strong defence and midfield is always the key. A concept that our management (Silvio mostly) can't seem to grasp as we always go about purchasing a whole new attack practically each summer

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 8 2016, 08:40 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 8 2016, 12:53 AM) *
Agreed, but I can't see how Musacchio and Romagnoli could work. Younger players is okay, as long as you have a good/solid defensive leader and one player with class. We lack both. And I don't think we're so bad we cannot attract at least someone in that range.

Point taken smile.gif. I agree we need someone to "anchor" the back line.

Posted by: littlechris Jul 9 2016, 09:15 AM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jul 8 2016, 09:40 PM) *
Point taken smile.gif. I agree we need someone to "anchor" the back line.

For CB: Nevan Subotic on my mind or Nicolas Otamendi who could be surplus at City
For Midfield: M. Kovacic is almost a must and one of Sissoko and Kante
Pjaca heading to Juve according to multiple reports (bring to mind last summer Kondogbia battle with Inter)
For attack: Lapadula, Niang, Adriano & outstanding winger if Bacca leave. Can we bring back Aumbumeyang?

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 9 2016, 02:02 PM

Montella will play with 4-3-3 according to Mediaset.

We need 2-3 quality wingers for that to work. Pjaca, Mr. X and personally I'd bring back Suso.

I wonder whether Montella will consider Montolivo a starter or not, otherwise we're gonna need a quality DM as well.

Lot of work to be done.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 9 2016, 02:14 PM

Sorry, I was wrong before. Suso already returned from Genoa and is training with us, and apparently he's convincing Montella, even though I just read on TMW that Genoa want him back again.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 9 2016, 02:15 PM

Suso is completely inadequate. I wonder what you see in him. He'll most probably be shipped to Genoa where he belongs.

I also see that Milan has interest in Cuadrado. Now this is a player that could work well in Montella's system. Also, we need to try get Valero, who could do the trick much better then Monto.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 9 2016, 03:10 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 9 2016, 02:15 PM) *
Suso is completely inadequate. I wonder what you see in him. He'll most probably be shipped to Genoa where he belongs.


I clearly see in him that which you fail to see: talent.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 9 2016, 08:54 PM

Apparently Juve are close to signing Pjaca, so we're after Cuadrado.

Source: Mediaset

Don't know how to feel about it.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 10 2016, 12:03 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 9 2016, 08:54 PM) *
Apparently Juve are close to signing Pjaca, so we're after Cuadrado.

Source: Mediaset

Don't know how to feel about it.

I think all news outlets atm are reporting out of their @sses they know nothing about the player's decision. His mother spoke to the media and has said he hasn't decided yet.

Honestly, I don't know how to feel about it either. I think Cuadrado would be a smarter signing tbh. He's played under Montella before and fits perfectly in his system and comes with a much lower risk factor.

Also, I think at this particular moment for the club, it's important that we use the money we have wisely rather than taking big risks which could be big set-backs for us

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 10 2016, 02:27 PM

Yeah, Cuadrado would be a more sure thing. Too bad he's already 28, so he can't be considered a future investment.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 10 2016, 05:10 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 10 2016, 02:27 PM) *
Yeah, Cuadrado would be a more sure thing. Too bad he's already 28, so he can't be considered a future investment.

But I think his price is negotiable, so we can lower it from the reported 20m Chelsea want for him

Because, even for all this talk about the new owners coming in. I get the feeling that atm there's like zero cash to be spent. Silvio certainly won't be pouring it in considering he's about to hand over the club, and until the agreement is actually signed (read that is could be postponed again...), there's no cash. So I get the feeling that Galliani is going around promising clubs that the club will make a solid move once the ownership problem is settled.

According to sky Pjaca has given the green light to Juve, so as far as I'm concerned, nothing has changed. It's the same issue as last summer. And I also think we were waiting to sell Bacca to close the Pjaca deal.

So going by this, I would really like to see us spend whatever money we have as wisely as possible, and Pjaca wouldn't have been a smart move imo. He could just as easily turn into the next Krasic if you ask me. And atm we don't have the luxury of taking such a risk.

That being said, the names we're now being linked to worry more than anything else. It's gone from Kovacic and Andre Gomes to Zielinski and Sosa, just screams of typical Galliani moves to me. Next thing is we'll be linked to every Genoa player there is.

Don't get me wrong, I think Zielinski is a talented player, but he's not at the level we need to make an instant jump in quality which is gravely needed by the team

Posted by: han2503 Jul 11 2016, 10:48 AM

Apparently we're close to signing Lasagna... I mean, I have no words. So we supposedly have cash now but we're going after even worse than mediocre players who ply their trade in Serie B and for Carpi????!!!!

FFS, all the hope I had last week has just been sucked right out of me. Going after these types of players is the very core of our problems. Galliani will never learn

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jul 11 2016, 02:11 PM

Lasagna just got announced as a lie. But the news is worse. Apparently no transfers shall happen until the prelim agreement is signed. And that will be pushed till the end of the month! sad.gif

Posted by: han2503 Jul 11 2016, 07:47 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Jul 11 2016, 02:11 PM) *
Lasagna just got announced as a lie. But the news is worse. Apparently no transfers shall happen until the prelim agreement is signed. And that will be pushed till the end of the month! sad.gif

True, but you never know. MilanNews are the ones who denied it, but Gazzetta is the one who came out with it. Tbh, I wouldn't be all that shocked if we signed him...

And if this preliminary continues to be pushed back there'll be no time left to rebuild this side. This is already the 3rd time that it's been pushed back, it was first supposed to happen at the end of June.

Honestly, I thought this summer the coach (for once) would be given a proper squad for his pre-season preparations, and if not the squad we'll be starting the season with, at least it would be very close to complete. Now the team will be off to America in a few weeks and nothing can be done. The only money we can spend is if we sell Bacca and use that. And going by Galliani's track record that's potentially money down the drain for the likes of Pavoletti, Sosa and [insert random Genoa player here]

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 11 2016, 08:17 PM

Guys, it's pointless banging yours heads around it. Just wait and take things as they come.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 11 2016, 08:36 PM

No one is banging heads. Just the usual Han: wouldn't expect any less.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 11 2016, 11:11 PM

Di Marzio: "Milan have an agreement with Udinese for Zielinski for 18 million. Now they must negotiate with the player"

Han will be most happy.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 11 2016, 11:21 PM

Is he any good? And very confusing piece of news if you have in mind that our transfer moves have been blocked, yes?

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 11 2016, 11:28 PM

No idea. Never saw him in the Serie A this year and I don't remember him at all in the Euros, LOL.

And I don't have a frigging clue what's going on with our transfers.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 12 2016, 09:26 AM

So yesterday we're told that the transfer market is blocked and today we apparently reached an agreement with Udine for Zielinski...

Just pointless to even follow the transfer news at this point as it's clear no one knows wtf is going on.


As for Zielinski, I think if the fee is correct from Di Marzio we're paying a bit too much for him. That being said, he was wanted by Napoli and Liverpool (read that he rejected Napoli and Liverpool had yet to find an agreement with Udine). As for the player, I think he's a very good prospect, but certainly won't be the addition that will make an instant impact, but he is a big prospect for the future as he's very highly regarded.

I watched a couple of his vids on yt (I know, I know), and from what I could tell he's good with both feet (something we desperately need imo as most of our players are completely useless when using their weaker foot. He's got a decent range of passing and good change of pace. He's certainly not a regista though, more like a major upgrade of Bertolacci or the type of role we wanted Berto to play

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jul 12 2016, 09:53 AM

Just read that we still have matri FFS!

More the delay in this Milan sale going through, more the season would be worrying

Posted by: han2503 Jul 12 2016, 04:31 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Jul 12 2016, 09:53 AM) *
Just read that we still have matri FFS!

More the delay in this Milan sale going through, more the season would be worrying

We still have a lot of baggage that needs to be let go.

So far nothing has happened, and the longer this thing keeps getting delayed, the worse our season will start

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 12 2016, 07:40 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 12 2016, 09:26 AM) *
Just pointless to even follow the transfer news at this point as it's clear no one knows wtf is going on.


You put too much weigh on these transfer rumors. Just let it go, switch your brain off. Only react when there's something concrete or reliable. Otherwise, it's pointless.

Personally, I only check transfer rumors when I'm bored, and even then I don't really care that much.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 12 2016, 07:47 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 12 2016, 09:40 PM) *
You put too much weigh on these transfer rumors. Just let it go, switch your brain off. Only react when there's something concrete or reliable. Otherwise, it's pointless.

Personally, I only check transfer rumors when I'm bored, and even then I don't really care that much.

The thing is, even if Milan ain't gonna sign the various Sosa's and Pavoletti's, it's still a trend. Fact remains, we're again linked with subpar players and not real reinforcements.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 12 2016, 08:05 PM

Some of those names are depressing indeed, but others like Cuadrado, Kovacic, Pjaca, Zielinski etc. are interesting. The point is that even if we end up signing players who are not huge like Pjaca and Zielinski, at least their talent is something to make us hopeful. But if we end up signing the next Bertolacci's and Kucka's of this world then nothing will change.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jul 13 2016, 07:18 AM

Bertolacci is a gamble that is still in play. Let's wait out this season before deciding he's worthless. All talks of Kovacic has died down.

Bacca is turning out into a TV opera.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 13 2016, 07:40 AM

I'll give you the benefit of a doubt, but I'm very positive Bertolacci is a complete miss. He simply adds to nothing.

Kovačić? Yes, it is a bit troublesome. But the good thing is, I haven't heard any other offer for him came in. So, we'll see.


Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 13 2016, 07:42 AM

Oh and can someone enlighten me a explain why we're so eagerly interested in Sosa? The logic in signing Matri or Pavoletti is thin but still there, whereas this particular rumor that appears to linger puzzles me constantly.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 13 2016, 11:09 AM

Seems like we found our replacement for Bacca in Pavoletti. The deal might, according to MN, include 10M + Suso, but Matri is also in consideration. Way to go, get rid of past baggage, create new one.

Candreva also linked with Milan, while rumors regarding Cuadrado died off along with Kovačić. This is getting better and better...

Posted by: han2503 Jul 13 2016, 12:23 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 12 2016, 07:40 PM) *
You put too much weigh on these transfer rumors. Just let it go, switch your brain off. Only react when there's something concrete or reliable. Otherwise, it's pointless.

Personally, I only check transfer rumors when I'm bored, and even then I don't really care that much.

It’s not about putting too much weight, I know that in most cases nothing comes from a rumour. But when a story seemingly lingers on, there’s usually truth to it. Also, this summer, the usually reliable sources like sky and Gazzatta have been terrible, starting with stories they’re reporting on the sale of the club to transfer market news.

So I’m a bit worried that we’re in mid-july and our only seemingly concrete targets are Zielinski and Sosa. Zielinski is an interesting player but still not going to turn this team around while I honestly do now know who at the club could possibly want Sosa. He was a failure at Napoli and in Spain. The Turkish league is at just about right for his level, so why we are seemingly so interested in taking on even more baggage is beyond me

And tbh, I had high hopes for this summer after that sale was confirmed, but atm it’s looking like the same old story repeating itself

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 12 2016, 07:47 PM) *
The thing is, even if Milan ain't gonna sign the various Sosa's and Pavoletti's, it's still a trend. Fact remains, we're again linked with subpar players and not real reinforcements.

Agreed
QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Jul 13 2016, 07:18 AM) *
Bertolacci is a gamble that is still in play. Let's wait out this season before deciding he's worthless. All talks of Kovacic has died down.

Bacca is turning out into a TV opera.

This Bacca story is getting irritating tbh. Don’t know what’s wrong with him to want to leave Milan to go to West Ham, at least aim higher and not just go where the cash is.

As for Berto, I honestly don’t know what you could possibly see in him. He’s weak and easily knocked off the ball, has little to no creative vision, is an average passer at best and doesn’t contribute a whole lot defensively either. He’s the definition of below average. I honestly do not know what our management saw in him to make them splash over 25m on this guy, he’s not even worth half of that. I think that should an opportunity to sell him come up, we need to jump on it
QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 13 2016, 07:40 AM) *
I'll give you the benefit of a doubt, but I'm very positive Bertolacci is a complete miss. He simply adds to nothing.

Kovačić? Yes, it is a bit troublesome. But the good thing is, I haven't heard any other offer for him came in. So, we'll see.

Agreed on Berto, also I think we’re mostly just waiting for Real to see what they want to do with him. I wouldn’t be surprised if Galliani and Perex already have some sort of understanding between them

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 13 2016, 07:42 AM) *
Oh and can someone enlighten me a explain why we're so eagerly interested in Sosa? The logic in signing Matri or Pavoletti is thin but still there, whereas this particular rumor that appears to linger puzzles me constantly.

Have no clue. Could be because he had a decent season in Turkey…
QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 13 2016, 11:09 AM) *
Seems like we found our replacement for Bacca in Pavoletti. The deal might, according to MN, include 10M + Suso, but Matri is also in consideration. Way to go, get rid of past baggage, create new one.

Candreva also linked with Milan, while rumors regarding Cuadrado died off along with Kovačić. This is getting better and better...

Why are we filling up on mediocre strikers? It’s like we’re signing Gilardino over and over again…

As for Candreva, no comment or kurt would immediately jump on me with his stats. But all I have to say is that Lazio want good cash for him, cash he’s not worth

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jul 13 2016, 03:49 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 13 2016, 01:23 PM) *
As for Candreva, no comment or kurt would immediately jump on me with his stats. But all I have to say is that Lazio want good cash for him, cash he’s not worth

25m isn't it? He's definitely worth that in a World where players who've had one good season are going for 30m+

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 13 2016, 07:42 PM

The Pavoletti rumors have to be a joke. It can't possibly be true. Galliani can't be that stupid. I mean, sure, he's a senile old fool, but he can't be THAT stupid. I just refuse to believe it.

In other news, Besiktas' president said they don't want to sell Sosa.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 14 2016, 07:27 AM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Jul 13 2016, 03:49 PM) *
25m isn't it? He's definitely worth that in a World where players who've had one good season are going for 30m+

Will have to respectfully disagree on this one. He's a one dimensional player. Sure he works hard and can deliver good crosses, but he's not worth anywhere near that.

He's the Cerci who never ventured further than he should. And he should really just stay where he is.

Plus he's no spring chicken either. One of his best assets (speed) will only decline as he gets older

Posted by: han2503 Jul 14 2016, 07:45 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 13 2016, 07:42 PM) *
The Pavoletti rumors have to be a joke. It can't possibly be true. Galliani can't be that stupid. I mean, sure, he's a senile old fool, but he can't be THAT stupid. I just refuse to believe it.

In other news, Besiktas' president said they don't want to sell Sosa.

Why would it be so hard to believe? Haven't we been over this same old story one too many times now? It's pretty obvious that we'll end up going for him once we sell Bacca. Which will just make it ANOTHER summer of spending half our budget on pointless strikers.

Montella will most likely play with one striker, and atm we have an overload of attackers. Lapadula, Adriano, Bacca (will most likely be sold), Niang, Menez and Matri.

I read that Matri and Suso could be included in the deal for Pavoletti and we'd get him for around 10m.

I think Adriano will also be on his way out and maybe we can get around 8 to 10m for him. Menez will also be sold, most likely. So we'll end up with a pretty mediocre strike force, going by what is being reported.

However, even with all that, I wouldn't be too p!ssed off if we just spend 10m on the attack and heavily invest in midfield.

Atm we can only spend the money we have directly coming in from transfers, so once we sell Bacca, I expect Musacchio and maybe Zielinski as well to be wrapped up

As for the Sosa news, that's good, don't need any more average players to simply make up the numbers

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 14 2016, 11:16 AM

Just read that we parted ways with a few Milan veterans and legends, Mauro Tassotti, Andrea Maldera and Filippo Galli. Sad.

Where is this club going towards? Why does everything have to look this grim?

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jul 14 2016, 01:18 PM

Only Tassotti and Maldera as far as I can tell. Didn't hear about Galli. The former two have left to join Shevchenko as Ukraine asst. coaches I think.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 14 2016, 03:45 PM

Yeah, I was wrong about Galli. I think the club should have kept the two at all cost thought.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 15 2016, 06:21 PM

Looks like http://www.calciomercato.com/news/bacca-verso-il-no-al-west-ham-il-punto-946781. That means everything else is on hold.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 15 2016, 07:53 PM

Juve have officially signed Benatia on loan for €3 million + €17 million for the right of purchase next summer. And there are widespread rumors that they're going to offer €94 million for Higuain. Not to mention Pjanic and Alves earlier this summer.

So far, our only signings have been Vangioni and Lapadula.

Can we take a moment and think about how extremely far apart we are with Juventus right now. In 2007 we won the Champions League, they just returned from Serie B. Fast-forward almost ten years later and they're dominating Italian football and doing well in Europe, whereas we've become a mid-table level team.

It didn't have to end like this. Curse you Silvio. Curse you Galliani.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 15 2016, 08:03 PM

All things must end.

I fail to see the logic of this comparison. Firstly, yes the gap is big. But ten years, you make them sound like it's nothing. While in fact this was the crucial transition period for Milan, whereas Calciopoli or no Calciopoli, Juve got demonted to Serie B but their financial structure remained intact.

Milan's problem start with financial matters; it's a combined mismanagement case and case of misfortuned financial transition/restructuring. Sure, Galliani and Berlu take the blame in the end, but the key factor was and always is Finivest.

In the end, we are were we started. Milan got picked up by Berlusconi as a second-tier club ready to join the fate of Torino, Genoa and other old Italian giants. He did what he could and for some decades we fought well, even managed to get the higher ground. But in the end, it was a one man show, a president giving it all to the club, personally or via firms like Finivest. I was bound to end one day.

Juve on the other hand were on top of things way back, since the Agnelli's took over. And they will be, because they virtually have an unlimited supply of money, a dynasty established way back to the roots of Italian Fordism and (third) industrial boom.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 15 2016, 08:16 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 15 2016, 07:53 PM) *
Juve have officially signed Benatia on loan for €3 million + €17 million for the right of purchase next summer. And there are widespread rumors that they're going to offer €94 million for Higuain. Not to mention Pjanic and Alves earlier this summer.

So far, our only signings have been Vangioni and Lapadula.

Can we take a moment and think about how extremely far apart we are with Juventus right now. In 2007 we won the Champions League, they just returned from Serie B. Fast-forward almost ten years later and they're dominating Italian football and doing well in Europe, whereas we've become a mid-table level team.

It didn't have to end like this. Curse you Silvio. Curse you Galliani.

They can play their reserve side and save the first team for the CL next season and still walk all over the rest of the league. The gap between them and the rest has just gotten even bigger. If us and Inter don't do something, Serie A will be worse than the French league and the Bundesliga of a few years ago

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 15 2016, 08:03 PM) *
All things must end.

I fail to see the logic of this comparison. Firstly, yes the gap is big. But ten years, you make them sound like it's nothing. While in fact this was the crucial transition period for Milan, whereas Calciopoli or no Calciopoli, Juve got demonted to Serie B but their financial structure remained intact.

Milan's problem start with financial matters; it's a combined mismanagement case and case of misfortuned financial transition/restructuring. Sure, Galliani and Berlu take the blame in the end, but the key factor was and always is Finivest.

In the end, we are were we started. Milan got picked up by Berlusconi as a second-tier club ready to join the fate of Torino, Genoa and other old Italian giants. He did what he could and for some decades we fought well, even managed to get the higher ground. But in the end, it was a one man show, a president giving it all to the club, personally or via firms like Finivest. I was bound to end one day.

Juve on the other hand were on top of things way back, since the Agnelli's took over. And they will be, because they virtually have an unlimited supply of money, a dynasty established way back to the roots of Italian Fordism and (third) industrial boom.

True, but financial structuring has to be the responsibility of the upper management. And Milan has been mismanaged for years. We can all talk in the most basic terms of how Galliani gave big contracts to player A or B. But it goes deeper than that. The club's financial pediments were simply built on sand from day 1 and as you said, it was bound to collapse with neither Silvio or Galliani having any clue on how to salvage the situation. A situation which has been in an already critical condition since before the CL x-off speaks of was even won.

Fininvest imo don't have much to do with how Galliani and Silvio chose to run the club. Sure they were the ones to tighten the purse strings as the company couldn't afford to keep haemorrhaging a 100m each fiscal year, but what company would? And why were we in such a position to begin with?

I don't think Juve's funds are as endless as you think. But they're run very smartly and they bring in revenue. They had the foresight to build their own stadium before any other Italian side, they've made very smart transfer decisions, they're making even smarter commercial moves nowadays as well and their brand is expanding rapidly

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 15 2016, 08:59 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 15 2016, 08:03 PM) *
All things must end.

I fail to see the logic of this comparison. Firstly, yes the gap is big. But ten years, you make them sound like it's nothing. While in fact this was the crucial transition period for Milan, whereas Calciopoli or no Calciopoli, Juve got demonted to Serie B but their financial structure remained intact.

Milan's problem start with financial matters; it's a combined mismanagement case and case of misfortuned financial transition/restructuring. Sure, Galliani and Berlu take the blame in the end, but the key factor was and always is Finivest.

In the end, we are were we started. Milan got picked up by Berlusconi as a second-tier club ready to join the fate of Torino, Genoa and other old Italian giants. He did what he could and for some decades we fought well, even managed to get the higher ground. But in the end, it was a one man show, a president giving it all to the club, personally or via firms like Finivest. I was bound to end one day.

Juve on the other hand were on top of things way back, since the Agnelli's took over. And they will be, because they virtually have an unlimited supply of money, a dynasty established way back to the roots of Italian Fordism and (third) industrial boom.


You fail to see the logic of this comparison? We're talking about the two biggest clubs in Italian football history. Forget Inter. It's always been about Milan and Juventus, whether in Italy or in Europe. So, it's pretty logical to compare how mismanagement sunk us to the ground whereas good management led Juventus from Serie B to absolute dominion.

And it's been less than ten years. The real gap started widening when we lost the title to them back in 2012, with each year growing us further and further apart.

And may I say, before Silvio picked us, we had already won 10 scudettos and 2 Champions League titles. We've always been a huge name in Italy, ever since our conception. It's not like Silvio picked us from nowhere and made us big. He simply picked us in a bad moment, which is where are again right now.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 15 2016, 09:45 PM



QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 15 2016, 10:59 PM) *
You fail to see the logic of this comparison? We're talking about the two biggest clubs in Italian football history. Forget Inter. It's always been about Milan and Juventus, whether in Italy or in Europe. So, it's pretty logical to compare how mismanagement sunk us to the ground whereas good management led Juventus from Serie B to absolute dominion.

And it's been less than ten years. The real gap started widening when we lost the title to them back in 2012, with each year growing us further and further apart.

And may I say, before Silvio picked us, we had already won 10 scudettos and 2 Champions League titles. We've always been a huge name in Italy, ever since our conception. It's not like Silvio picked us from nowhere and made us big. He simply picked us in a bad moment, which is where are again right now.

You obviously failed to read my point. It hasn't always been Milan vs. Juventus. Milan wasn't just in a bad place before Silvio came along, we entered the final stage of a terminally ill has-been. Yes, surely, we were big and had titles in the past, but the fall could have and would have happened nevertheless.

But you fail to see that Juventus was always the frontrunner in terms of money and management system. Serie B came as a result of corruption and the dubious Calciopoli. But the link between them and FIAT never ceased to exist.

You have to understand how Italy works. It's a very clientele-oriented business environment. The Agnelli's have much more weight then any other family, and that's the main issue here. It's not about trophies and titles, it even isn't about proper management. It's fairly easy to manage a club when you have a background like the Agnelli's, a financial monopoly and ties to God knows who. Hell, the same "senile" management that we now blame for everything managed to do a good job for some decades, yes? How so? Because Berlusconi maintained power over his corporative empire and with his political position. As soon as this started to decline (meaning no background), Milan started to crumble and took a downward spiral. Don't be fooled by Milan's 2012 scudetto. It was by all means a swan song, fulfilled with the last of the remaining senators (Nesta, Seedorf, Pirlo, Abbiati), some good and cheap investements (van Bommel, Zambrotta) and some players that ended up being sold because we couldn't afford keeping them.

My point is: you can shout mismanagement as much as you like. And I agree, Milan got the rough end of the bargain in the end. You can compare Juventus and Milan on footballing terms. But on terms of economic power they were and are lightyears away. Juventus is the sole force in a town dedicated almost exclusively to the industry run by their owners. FIAT is and will remain an Italian stronghold, just like the Agnelli's will keep on being the Italian elite - they did so long before the Berlusconi's earned their first million, long before Milan had some financial forte.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 15 2016, 10:18 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 15 2016, 09:45 PM) *
You obviously failed to read my point. It hasn't always been Milan vs. Juventus. Milan wasn't just in a bad place before Silvio came along, we entered the final stage of a terminally ill has-been. Yes, surely, we were big and had titles in the past, but the fall could have and would have happened nevertheless.

But you fail to see that Juventus was always the frontrunner in terms of money and management system. Serie B came as a result of corruption and the dubious Calciopoli. But the link between them and FIAT never ceased to exist.


That's not even the point I'm making. I'm referring to glory and success. Before the Berlusconi takeover, Juventus had managed to win only one meager UEFA Cup, whereas we had already achieved two European Cups, two Cup Winners' Cups and the various Intercontinental and Super Cups.

We were far more established on the international scene than Juventus were. Sure, they held domestic supremacy, but don't make it sound like Juventus were the Bayern Munich of Italy, whereas us and Inter were the underdogs trying to keep up.

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 15 2016, 09:45 PM) *
You have to understand how Italy works. It's a very clientele-oriented business environment. The Agnelli's have much more weight then any other family, and that's the main issue here. It's not about trophies and titles, it even isn't about proper management. It's fairly easy to manage a club when you have a background like the Agnelli's, a financial monopoly and ties to God knows who. Hell, the same "senile" management that we now blame for everything managed to do a good job for some decades, yes? How so? Because Berlusconi maintained power over his corporative empire and with his political position. As soon as this started to decline (meaning no background), Milan started to crumble and took a downward spiral. Don't be fooled by Milan's 2012 scudetto. It was by all means a swan song, fulfilled with the last of the remaining senators (Nesta, Seedorf, Pirlo, Abbiati), some good and cheap investements (van Bommel, Zambrotta) and some players that ended up being sold because we couldn't afford keeping them.

My point is: you can shout mismanagement as much as you like. And I agree, Milan got the rough end of the bargain in the end. You can compare Juventus and Milan on footballing terms. But on terms of economic power they were and are lightyears away. Juventus is the sole force in a town dedicated almost exclusively to the industry run by their owners. FIAT is and will remain an Italian stronghold, just like the Agnelli's will keep on being the Italian elite - they did so long before the Berlusconi's earned their first million, long before Milan had some financial forte.


Ah man, why do you have to make it all so political-oriented. Weight, families, power and so on. What does that amount to when it comes to football? This is a business, and it's fueled by money. And a business needs to be properly managed to be successful and continue being successful.

Berlusconi never stopped spending money for this club. Even when we were struggling in the late 90s/early 00s he still kept spending, and we gradually overcame that difficult period thanks to hiring a good coach and building a successful team. But a point in time arrived when his passion for this club ceased to exist, and Galliani started losing all sense, tarnishing the Milan way of doing things, eventually reducing us to a mockery of what this club once represented.

Yes, money has never been a problem for Juve, but money wasn't a problem for us either in these last 30 years before mismanagement made it so that it is now a big, big problem.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 15 2016, 10:25 PM

I make it political because in Italy families and politics decide and rule. Do old families still matter in France or Germany? Perhaps, but by a considerably lower margin. In Italy business and politics are still run by the old industrial elites.

You compared were the one who compared Milan and Juventus. I only told you that Juventus have and always shall have a much stronger background, which gives them the financial infrastructure to be a powerhouse and overcome much bigger obstacles the we can. When football was semi-professional, still in the very early and naive phase, up until the 60's and 70's, it wasn't a big deal. But take a look around you now. Money and financial background are the basics of footballing clubs succeeding or failing. I'm just saying you should take this into consideration when you compare Milan and Juventus.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 16 2016, 12:06 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 15 2016, 10:25 PM) *
I make it political because in Italy families and politics decide and rule. Do old families still matter in France or Germany? Perhaps, but by a considerably lower margin. In Italy business and politics are still run by the old industrial elites.

You compared were the one who compared Milan and Juventus. I only told you that Juventus have and always shall have a much stronger background, which gives them the financial infrastructure to be a powerhouse and overcome much bigger obstacles the we can. When football was semi-professional, still in the very early and naive phase, up until the 60's and 70's, it wasn't a big deal. But take a look around you now. Money and financial background are the basics of footballing clubs succeeding or failing. I'm just saying you should take this into consideration when you compare Milan and Juventus.


But how does that even translate in the context of football? That they have more money? Of course they do, but so does Berlusconi. There was a time when Silvio spent millions on the likes of Shevchenko, Rui Costa, Inzaghi, Nesta etc. whereas Juve had to sell Zidane to finance their moves. It's not like Juventus reside on a mountain of dollars after all.

Yet, 1) unwillingness to spend by Silvio and 2) mismanagement by Galliani have created this situation for us, whereas an apt business plan coupled with their financial resources managed to pull Juve back up in no time. See what I'm trying to say? We had the means to remain big, but we squandered every opportunity by relying on a bunch of senile fools to run this club. Whereas Juve used their means to their best potential, and they returned to being great again.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 16 2016, 12:38 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 16 2016, 01:06 AM) *
But how does that even translate in the context of football? That they have more money? Of course they do, but so does Berlusconi. There was a time when Silvio spent millions on the likes of Shevchenko, Rui Costa, Inzaghi, Nesta etc. whereas Juve had to sell Zidane to finance their moves. It's not like Juventus reside on a mountain of dollars after all.

Yet, 1) unwillingness to spend by Silvio and 2) mismanagement by Galliani have created this situation for us, whereas an apt business plan coupled with their financial resources managed to pull Juve back up in no time. See what I'm trying to say? We had the means to remain big, but we squandered every opportunity by relying on a bunch of senile fools to run this club. Whereas Juve used their means to their best potential, and they returned to being great again.

I believe Juve has more revenue than Milan these days, but the bigger issue is how effectively the money is used. And it's not just bad player decisions (of which there have been many). Go back and read about the last stockholder meeting, scary how a lot of our money is spent. Hopefully the sale will go through, and the new management will clean up the mess (in general, I trust Chinese business people). Not that it is all great, I read that we may become a "farm" for Chinese teams, but it is much better than the status quo. (I hope.)

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 16 2016, 01:19 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 16 2016, 02:06 AM) *
But how does that even translate in the context of football? That they have more money? Of course they do, but so does Berlusconi. There was a time when Silvio spent millions on the likes of Shevchenko, Rui Costa, Inzaghi, Nesta etc. whereas Juve had to sell Zidane to finance their moves. It's not like Juventus reside on a mountain of dollars after all.

Yet, 1) unwillingness to spend by Silvio and 2) mismanagement by Galliani have created this situation for us, whereas an apt business plan coupled with their financial resources managed to pull Juve back up in no time. See what I'm trying to say? We had the means to remain big, but we squandered every opportunity by relying on a bunch of senile fools to run this club. Whereas Juve used their means to their best potential, and they returned to being great again.

Again, wrong. All I'm trying to tell you is we do not have the same means, but you keep hitting this button. Well, have it your way then. Sure. It's easy peasy. Mismanagement, senile fools who all of a sudden turned from gold into shite, whereas Juve just becomes shrewder and shrewder every year like a true vintage.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 16 2016, 01:20 AM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jul 16 2016, 02:38 AM) *
I believe Juve has more revenue than Milan these days, but the bigger issue is how effectively the money is used. And it's not just bad player decisions (of which there have been many). Go back and read about the last stockholder meeting, scary how a lot of our money is spent. Hopefully the sale will go through, and the new management will clean up the mess (in general, I trust Chinese business people). Not that it is all great, I read that we may become a "farm" for Chinese teams, but it is much better than the status quo. (I hope.)

What makes you trust Chinese business people? Creating a "farm" would be humiliating for Milan. Not that this status quo you're referring to isn't, don't get me wrong...

Posted by: han2503 Jul 16 2016, 06:56 AM

The debate about which family is the strongest can go on and on, but fact is, Juve have been run properly while we haven't. And that's the reason for the huge gap between the 2 clubs today. The Agnelli's for all their power and money have never spent the amounts of money that Silvio has, but I guess that's also part of the problem. While we had a sugar daddy plugging the holes and throwing money at problems they have been run like a proper business and the owners weren't just there to clean up debts at the end of the year or pump cash to buy this player or that player as a gift to the fans to improve their popularity at the polling booth

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 16 2016, 11:33 AM

I don't get how you won't acknowledge the main difference. Juventus has a fall back system, prepared to act as a fail-safe in almost every dire situation. It's bigger then just one man pulling the strings. Yes, Juventus got managed properly, surely.

Juventus has been run properly because they got organized and tied in with all other Agnelli business activities for decades. Milan never was that kind of a story; we were a one-man-show, bound to explode one day. The thing with us is that we did not have or could not have the same fail-safe strategy and the same anchor.

In the end, I'm glad that I was and am a Milan fan. I'd change all the shrewdness in the world from the Agnelli's for what Berlusconi achieved with us. Even with this fall, with this mismanagement case, I'm still proud of what Milan become. We had a brand of football, we inspired people all over the world to join us and take part in our history. Milan played for most of the part better football, we proved to be winners on all stages, whereas Juventus only did that in Italy while remained a looser in Europe. Now it's very painful to watch the gap growing, sure. But no regrets anyway.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 16 2016, 01:39 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 16 2016, 11:33 AM) *
I don't get how you won't acknowledge the main difference. Juventus has a fall back system, prepared to act as a fail-safe in almost every dire situation. It's bigger then just one man pulling the strings. Yes, Juventus got managed properly, surely.

Juventus has been run properly because they got organized and tied in with all other Agnelli business activities for decades. Milan never was that kind of a story; we were a one-man-show, bound to explode one day. The thing with us is that we did not have or could not have the same fail-safe strategy and the same anchor.

In the end, I'm glad that I was and am a Milan fan. I'd change all the shrewdness in the world from the Agnelli's for what Berlusconi achieved with us. Even with this fall, with this mismanagement case, I'm still proud of what Milan become. We had a brand of football, we inspired people all over the world to join us and take part in our history. Milan played for most of the part better football, we proved to be winners on all stages, whereas Juventus only did that in Italy while remained a looser in Europe. Now it's very painful to watch the gap growing, sure. But no regrets anyway.

I agree, I think we're just lamenting different things tbh.

I think Milan's problem though is that Silvio used it as a political tool as well, and we suffered for it

That being said, I do agree with you that I have no regrets in being a Milan fan and all the emotional experiances that brought with it.

Hopefully this month we'll got through another major moment for the club which will be a fresh start and new beginning

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 16 2016, 06:12 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 16 2016, 01:19 AM) *
Again, wrong. All I'm trying to tell you is we do not have the same means, but you keep hitting this button. Well, have it your way then. Sure. It's easy peasy. Mismanagement, senile fools who all of a sudden turned from gold into shite, whereas Juve just becomes shrewder and shrewder every year like a true vintage.


Tell me why we went from dominating European football to absolute shite in less than ten years.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 18 2016, 07:36 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 16 2016, 02:20 AM) *
What makes you trust Chinese business people?

Experience plus what little I know about who may be taking over
QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 16 2016, 02:20 AM) *
Creating a "farm" would be humiliating for Milan. Not that this status quo you're referring to isn't, don't get me wrong...

China has high ambitions for elevating their status in the soccer world, which is why you are starting to see crazy money for players plus investments in teams. If this makes us more competitive in Serie A and at European level (which it should), it will be far less "humiliating" than the present situation. And, realistically speaking, I do not see us getting out of the present situation in any other way.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 18 2016, 07:40 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 16 2016, 12:33 PM) *
I don't get how you won't acknowledge the main difference. Juventus has a fall back system, prepared to act as a fail-safe in almost every dire situation. It's bigger then just one man pulling the strings. Yes, Juventus got managed properly, surely.

Juventus has been run properly because they got organized and tied in with all other Agnelli business activities for decades. Milan never was that kind of a story; we were a one-man-show, bound to explode one day. The thing with us is that we did not have or could not have the same fail-safe strategy and the same anchor.

In the end, I'm glad that I was and am a Milan fan. I'd change all the shrewdness in the world from the Agnelli's for what Berlusconi achieved with us. Even with this fall, with this mismanagement case, I'm still proud of what Milan become. We had a brand of football, we inspired people all over the world to join us and take part in our history. Milan played for most of the part better football, we proved to be winners on all stages, whereas Juventus only did that in Italy while remained a looser in Europe. Now it's very painful to watch the gap growing, sure. But no regrets anyway.

Very, very good assessment of the situation, and I agree with you on being proud for what was achieved.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 18 2016, 07:52 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 16 2016, 07:12 PM) *
Tell me why we went from dominating European football to absolute shite in less than ten years.

I think Fillipo explained it quite well. Different management philosophy, Juve was set up to run as a proper business, Milan was more like Berlu's "hobby", which he also used to support his political ambitions and financial dealings. Worked well for us while Berlu could throw money at the team, but things changed with the financial crisis, Berlu's political problems, and the fact that buying quality players has become much more expensive in relative terms. In this new world, teams that are run as a business have the advantage.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 18 2016, 08:15 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 16 2016, 08:12 PM) *
Tell me why we went from dominating European football to absolute shite in less than ten years.

Because of multiple reasons. Errors in judgement, mismanagement cases, even situations that were completely outside of the footballing domain. As I said earlier, we did not have the same structural organization Juventus had. Maybe it's boring and too extensive to go deep into history, but by doing so you'll find the big difference.

Once the economic crisis kicked in, once Berlusconi started loosing grasp of political power and stability within his own party, once he lost control over the state his party and his country are, we lost the upper hand. Finivest pulled the plug, Berlusconi wasn't there to cover up. Galliani didn't operate like that (at all) and found himself in a completely new situation, which he managed poorly.

We started from one error to another, which in the end lead us right where we are. Does that qualify as a good answer?

Posted by: han2503 Jul 20 2016, 08:15 AM

According to most outlets, even the serious ones like ANSA and Reuters, the sale has been postponed to next week, but will definitely happen by the end of this month.

Supposedly, the delays have been because they couldn't come top an agreement regarding the last 20% of the shares and how they will be paid and when, so now they're moving to a 100% sale immediately (Which would be awesome news if true).

As for the transfer market, atm everything is at a standstill. Galliani had a meeting with Silvio to try to get him to release funds, but he wouldn't comply (for obvious reasons, why would you put money into a house you're about to sell?). So atm we're stuck waiting for the preliminary to be signed or for Bacca and some others to be sold before anything can be done.

Musacchio and Zielinski seem to be on standby atm, but tbh I don't know how long they will wait, especially Zielinski who's had various other clubs after him (mainly Liverpool and Napoli)

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jul 20 2016, 09:50 AM

If they're going to fire Galliani and Barbara and all, their first priority will be finding replacements. Where then is the time for hiring a transfer guru. And then for having him scout for targets, then begin negotiations and close deals. We have one month left.

Yeah, this is going to be one of those seasons. But hurry we're sold! rolleyes.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 20 2016, 09:53 AM

I don't think they'll fire Galliani right away. This is probably going to be a transition period with Galliani and Gancikoff. Afterwards, perhaps...

Posted by: han2503 Jul 20 2016, 08:08 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 20 2016, 09:53 AM) *
I don't think they'll fire Galliani right away. This is probably going to be a transition period with Galliani and Gancikoff. Afterwards, perhaps...

He already said himself that he doesn't know what will happen and that he's staying until October and then he doesn't know.

I personally don't think that the new owners will want to keep Galliani, they'll want to put their own people in the important positions.

Also, Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, etc are stating that Sonny Wu who's the co-founder of GSR Capital is leading the consortium. I honestly don't know anything about them or how they work

QUOTE
Wall Street Journal:

BEIJING—A consortium including Chinese investors is close to a deal for Italian soccer club AC Milan, according to people close to the deal.

One person said the group would buy 80% of the club, whose total value the person said is about €750 million (around $827 million) including around €200 million in debt. That would mean the investors are spending around €440 million for the stake, which would be the biggest acquisition powered by Chinese money for control of a world-class soccer team.

The agreement, expected to be completed this month, also provides for the group to buy the remaining 20% and put in about €400 million of investments in the next two to three years, the person told The Wall Street Journal.

Italian investor and sports-business consultant Nicolas Gancikoff has a leading role in the deal and is expected to become a top executive in the club once it is completed, according to people familiar with the talks.

The investor group includes Chinese investment firm GSR Capital, two people said. GSR’s chairman, Sonny Wu, helped Mr. Gancikoff line up Chinese investors for the deal, according to people familiar with the talks.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 20 2016, 08:15 PM

@TheMilanBible Sonny Wu and Steven Zhang will buy Milan with other Chinese investors. Robin Li to hold a small stake. [Repubblica]

‏@TheMilanBible: The preliminary agreement will be signed in the middle of next week.


@TheMilanBible Once the preliminary agreement is signed, Galliani and Barbara will be stepping down. [Repubblica]

@TheMilanBible Galliani will only remain for the initial stages, as a market consultant. Gancikoff will then take his role.


I honestly do hope that the CEO role will be a solely administrative one, and the transfers will be delegated to a proper Director of Sport

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 20 2016, 08:18 PM

And I hope people like Paolo Maldini or Sandro Nesta will be involved.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 20 2016, 08:23 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 20 2016, 08:18 PM) *
And I hope people like Paolo Maldini or Sandro Nesta will be involved.

We'll see.

Having those guys would be a huge boost. Having someone of that stature at the club will help us attract players to come on board. Like back in the day we had Leo who really helped us, especially with getting Brazilians.


Posted by: han2503 Jul 20 2016, 08:30 PM

@TheMilanBible The Chinese will put €15M for the market. However, exactly €9.6M will go to Berlusconi for signing Lapadula. Milan could gain €30M for the mercato by selling Bacca. [Sky]

Honestly, if this is correct that's another season down the drain. But if Galliani is out by the end of the summer, I'd say this is the best transfer campaign we've had in years!

But this just doesn't make much sense, why would Galliani even be trying to sign Musacchio and Zielinski when he has no money to work with? And why spend 10m of that on a Serie B player? Just doesn't add up tbh.

Also, we should be really trying to push for loans with obligation to buy and offer a slightly inflated sum to compensate. We've done it before in big moves like with Zlatan so don't get what the problem is now. Kovacic could be available on loan (Real want it to be a dry loan, supposedly, we should push for an option to buy clause). Barca reportedly want to offload Turan, I think he'd be great in Serie A and that's our midfield problems 75% solved.

I'd try to get those 2 on loan with obligation to buy and close the Musacchio deal and be done for now with the market. Maybe it won't turn us into contenders but it would make us more competitive and definitely a shoe in for the EU spots without breaking the bank just now

Posted by: han2503 Jul 20 2016, 08:42 PM

Also, what is this obsession the media have with selling Bacca? there are MANY others on our team who need to be sold and we could get some cash from.

Menez, Poli, Honda, Kucka, Diego Lopez, Bertolacci, Ely and Matri are all players that should or could be sold to free up space and a bit of cash.

I know Bacca is obvious because he's the only player on this team worth a damn but we could get 5 to 10m for each of the players mentioned above, so I don't understand why Galliani isn't working his @ss off to shop them around and informing their agents to find other clubs for them as they're no longer part of the Milan plans.

Menez could fetch us around 8m and I think League 1 clubs would be interested in him. Poli could get us around 4 to 5m, I'm sure mid-tier Serie A clubs would be interested. Kucka is wanted by Toro, we could easily fetch another 6m off him.

Honda was wanted by a couple EPL clubs, his marketing potential is huge (he was our biggest shirt seller last season), but it's just not worth it, especially if we're desperate to free up funds this summer. I think we could get around 8m or so for him if we shop him around a bit to the English sides.

Lopez is wanted by Chelsea but apparently we're willing to give him up for free (!!) (we're apparently desperate to get his wages off the books so Galliani sees just the act of removing him from the squad as a win, forget the fact that he would be worth actual money on the market (rolleyes.gif)

Ely, Berto and Matri all have their appeal to mid-level clubs in Italy, we should try to get something from their sales

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jul 21 2016, 09:36 AM

We can't sell Honda. realmad.gif I like this season's jerseys and I want a Honda and a Bonaventura. sad.gif

Posted by: han2503 Jul 21 2016, 01:28 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Jul 21 2016, 09:36 AM) *
We can't sell Honda. realmad.gif I like this season's jerseys and I want a Honda and a Bonaventura. sad.gif

Reports are that his and Suso's agent was at Milanello speaking to Galliani yesterday and he'll most likely leave.

Get a Romagnoli shirt instead. It will be much more worth it.

Also, most papers saying that 3 of the names which are part of the consortium are Sonny Wu, Steven Zheng and Kweichow Moutai. The last one are a state owned Liquor company so that's the probable link to the Chinese government

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 21 2016, 01:40 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 20 2016, 09:30 PM) *
[...] if Galliani is out by the end of the summer, I'd say this is the best transfer campaign we've had in years!

Agreed

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 20 2016, 09:30 PM) *
But this just doesn't make much sense, why would Galliani even be trying to sign Musacchio and Zielinski when he has no money to work with? And why spend 10m of that on a Serie B player? Just doesn't add up tbh.

I have stopped trying to make sense out of what Galliani does.

Posted by: TheOgre Jul 25 2016, 10:55 PM

According to Gazzetta world we are close to an agreement with Arbeloa pending approval from our Chinese buyers
http://www.gazzettaworld.com/news/transfer-market/milan-agreement-real-madrid-defender/

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jul 26 2016, 05:45 AM

This story has been repeated and repeated a lot. Arbeloa seems to have been offered to Milan and we are considering it but not too seriously I think.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 27 2016, 01:54 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Jul 26 2016, 05:45 AM) *
This story has been repeated and repeated a lot. Arbeloa seems to have been offered to Milan and we are considering it but not too seriously I think.


Of course his agent will propose him to us. After all we've become the garbage bin of Europe.

What's going on with the Chinese takeover? Wasn't it finalized? Why do we have to drag things so long? Look at Inter, they closed it in a matter of days.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 27 2016, 06:36 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 27 2016, 02:54 PM) *
Of course his agent will propose him to us. After all we've become the garbage bin of Europe.

What's going on with the Chinese takeover? Wasn't it finalized? Why do we have to drag things so long? Look at Inter, they closed it in a matter of days.

http://m.calciomercato.com/news/milan-gancikoff-come-barbara-non-c-e-intesa-con-galliani-anche-s-965224?os=msite says the Arbeola move was blocked by Gancikoff, too old and would be hard to get rid of him if he does not work out. If this is true, I am starting to like the new management, plus it is an indication that Galliani may be on his way out (also good).

As for the takeover, it keeps getting delayed (which means this market window is shot). OTOH, if Gancikoff is really making decisions it would seem it is progressing.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 27 2016, 09:00 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 27 2016, 03:54 PM) *
Of course his agent will propose him to us. After all we've become the garbage bin of Europe.

What's going on with the Chinese takeover? Wasn't it finalized? Why do we have to drag things so long? Look at Inter, they closed it in a matter of days.

Inter? Really. Look at them. No real activity, shady takeover, a messy squad and a coach under big question marks.

We're in a bad situation, but I trust Berlusconi in the way that he found the right owner for Milan and that he'll ensure a more prosperous future with big investments. If another summer is what it takes, I'm in. Inter is really a bad example.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 27 2016, 09:38 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 27 2016, 10:00 PM) *
Inter? Really. Look at them. No real activity, shady takeover, a messy squad and a coach under big question marks.

We're in a bad situation, but I trust Berlusconi in the way that he found the right owner for Milan and that he'll ensure a more prosperous future with big investments. If another summer is what it takes, I'm in. Inter is really a bad example.

I agree, Inter seems like a mess right now. And as much as I may be unhappy about our current situation and blame Berlu for much of what's going on, I believe he honestly cares about the team and (to a large extent) is trying to do what's right for Milan. Also, I am ready to take one more season of disappointments if I can see a path that takes us back to success. (And, right now, I see no better path.)

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jul 28 2016, 06:53 AM

We won the first match of the International Champions Cup beating Bayern Munich . We looked pretty good for a team that's just started preparations a couple of weeks ago.

The midfield again looks suspect. Niang looking good though.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 28 2016, 07:17 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 27 2016, 01:54 PM) *
Of course his agent will propose him to us. After all we've become the garbage bin of Europe.

What's going on with the Chinese takeover? Wasn't it finalized? Why do we have to drag things so long? Look at Inter, they closed it in a matter of days.

Postponed for another 2 weeks. All due to Chinese bureaucracy due to the deal being so big, also due to the terms of the deal having changed from 80% to a 100% immediately.

So atm everything is at a complete stand still.

Galliani has his hands completely tied, and I think he's been muzzled as well by both Fininvest and the Chinese. We haven't heard a peep out of him since Montella's press conference. This is usually his preening season so I'm assuming that he's being kept on a very tight leash atm

Also, a lot of reports saying that there has been a power struggle between him and Gancikoff.

I personally don't think he'll last past December.

Also read that Gancikoff won't be the new CEO but the COO. So Hopefully a proper CEO will be appointed and a proper Director of Sport will also be brought in once this thing is finalised

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Jul 28 2016, 06:53 AM) *
We won the first match of the International Champions Cup beating Bayern Munich . We looked pretty good for a team that's just started preparations a couple of weeks ago.

The midfield again looks suspect. Niang looking good though.

What's new? Haven't seen it, it was at 3 in the morning here. but Bayern were playing their B team mixed in with the C team as well. I wouldn't read too much into friendlies. Unless we change up at least 2 players from that midfield and bring in a proper CB to partner Romagnoli this will be another season down the drain

Posted by: han2503 Jul 28 2016, 07:30 PM

A couple of updates:

@TheMilanBible BREAKING: Agreement reached between #Milan and Bordeaux for #Menez. Expected to take his medical on Monday. [Sky]

@TheMilanBible #Menez is expected to join Bordeaux on a free transfer and is ready to sign a 3-year contract. [@fantagazzetta]

@TheMilanBible Milan could close the deal for Zaza soon, with an important meeting scheduled for next week. [TMW]


I honestly do not understand the logic behind this Menez thing. So we're desperate to bring in cash from transfers but we give Menez away for free?? Honestly, it's just dumbfounding how this club is being run. You wouldn't hear something like this anywhere else. We could have easily asked for 5 - 6m for him and at least gotten something out of it. Same thing with how we're trying to get rid of Lopez. Who imo is still worth money as he's a good keeper. all we care about is getting them off the wage bill. Just terrible business once again.

And no comment on the Zaza thing. It's the Matri story all over again

Posted by: maldini03 Jul 28 2016, 07:58 PM

I watched the game against Bayern last night. The team looked quite solid I don't really read into friendlies too much but I would say we looked more organized and the type of game we played was different than what it has been.

Suso looked a bit out of his depth, but the system suits Niang and the type of player he is. I think Montella is the best tactical coach we have had in the past few years, and I think his system will have us playing better but we obviously need an injection of quality to compete in Serie A. I really thought this would be the summer where we clean house and have an injection of cash but it seems like this window will also be sacrificed.

I have read some rumors about Napoli are looking at Bacca as a replacement for Higuain. I would do a deal for money and Jorghino or Gabbiadini, I think either one of those guys would be able to slot in and provide a slight upgrade at the respective positions. Our midfield definitely needs an upgrade, and we could also use another cb to pair with Romagnoli. Should have made a deal for Benatia when we had a chance, but that is the type of deal you have an easier time making when you are playing in the cl.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 28 2016, 09:00 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 28 2016, 08:30 PM) *
A couple of updates:

@TheMilanBible BREAKING: Agreement reached between #Milan and Bordeaux for #Menez. Expected to take his medical on Monday. [Sky]

@TheMilanBible #Menez is expected to join Bordeaux on a free transfer and is ready to sign a 3-year contract. [@fantagazzetta]

@TheMilanBible Milan could close the deal for Zaza soon, with an important meeting scheduled for next week. [TMW]


I honestly do not understand the logic behind this Menez thing. So we're desperate to bring in cash from transfers but we give Menez away for free?? Honestly, it's just dumbfounding how this club is being run. You wouldn't hear something like this anywhere else. We could have easily asked for 5 - 6m for him and at least gotten something out of it. Same thing with how we're trying to get rid of Lopez. Who imo is still worth money as he's a good keeper. all we care about is getting them off the wage bill. Just terrible business once again.

And no comment on the Zaza thing. It's the Matri story all over again

With Menez, I believe salary may be the reason behind the move (we need to reduce our overall salary bill, so this helps even if it is a free transfer). As for Zaza, I have to hope that sanity will prevail (and I am encouraged by the fact that Galliani will not be able to make this decision w/o approvals).

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 30 2016, 01:19 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 28 2016, 09:30 PM) *
A couple of updates:

@TheMilanBible BREAKING: Agreement reached between #Milan and Bordeaux for #Menez. Expected to take his medical on Monday. [Sky]

@TheMilanBible #Menez is expected to join Bordeaux on a free transfer and is ready to sign a 3-year contract. [@fantagazzetta]

@TheMilanBible Milan could close the deal for Zaza soon, with an important meeting scheduled for next week. [TMW]


I honestly do not understand the logic behind this Menez thing. So we're desperate to bring in cash from transfers but we give Menez away for free?? Honestly, it's just dumbfounding how this club is being run. You wouldn't hear something like this anywhere else. We could have easily asked for 5 - 6m for him and at least gotten something out of it. Same thing with how we're trying to get rid of Lopez. Who imo is still worth money as he's a good keeper. all we care about is getting them off the wage bill. Just terrible business once again.

And no comment on the Zaza thing. It's the Matri story all over again

I think Zaza is much better then Matri tbh and also, how can this be the Matri story again when he'll be probably loaned out to us first?

Just keep it calm. Menez was/is a finished player, we did right so to offload him. I think that collecting money from rejects leads us nowhere, no matter how much broke we are. From what I can see it's either:

A) we get sold to a good investor who gives us substancial funds
cool.gif Berlusconi pulls the plug if he finds out the investors are gonna do a "Inter/Tohir" story to us - and if this happens, I honestly don't care any more about who we sell and who we bring. It's gonna be old Matri out new Matri in. Sadly, this day you have to have much money to find the right players, a good scouting network and a little bit of luck.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 30 2016, 01:39 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 30 2016, 01:19 PM) *
I think Zaza is much better then Matri tbh and also, how can this be the Matri story again when he'll be probably loaned out to us first?

Just keep it calm. Menez was/is a finished player, we did right so to offload him. I think that collecting money from rejects leads us nowhere, no matter how much broke we are. From what I can see it's either:

A) we get sold to a good investor who gives us substancial funds
cool.gif Berlusconi pulls the plug if he finds out the investors are gonna do a "Inter/Tohir" story to us - and if this happens, I honestly don't care any more about who we sell and who we bring. It's gonna be old Matri out new Matri in. Sadly, this day you have to have much money to find the right players, a good scouting network and a little bit of luck.

When your transfer budget is ~ €0 than I think it's important to get decent deals out of the players we have.

Other clubs sell their players. We first give them high wages and then they don't want to leave or the clubs who want to buy them can't match what they're currently earning with us so the players would rather stay and earn the cash. So we end up trying to compensate for that by giving them up for nothing

As for Zaza, it's just rumours in terms of the condition of the deal. And honestly, I don't understand why we're even looking at any striker to begin with.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 30 2016, 05:25 PM

I think your scrutiny won't work here. If you have a budget of 0 you get 0. It rarely happens differently.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 31 2016, 11:23 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 27 2016, 09:00 PM) *
Inter? Really. Look at them. No real activity, shady takeover, a messy squad and a coach under big question marks.

We're in a bad situation, but I trust Berlusconi in the way that he found the right owner for Milan and that he'll ensure a more prosperous future with big investments. If another summer is what it takes, I'm in. Inter is really a bad example.


Dude, they just got acquired. You can't expect sh*t to turn into gold and roses overnight. Give it time.

And shady takeover? How so? I don't know who bought them cos I don't follow the news closely anymore, but at least they got it done quickly instead of prolonging things to no end.

If there is a club who's a real mess right now, that's us, not Inter.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 31 2016, 11:49 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 31 2016, 01:23 PM) *
Dude, they just got acquired. You can't expect sh*t to turn into gold and roses overnight. Give it time.

And shady takeover? How so? I don't know who bought them cos I don't follow the news closely anymore, but at least they got it done quickly instead of prolonging things to no end.

If there is a club who's a real mess right now, that's us, not Inter.

Man, you gotta shake up a bit. How can Inter be a positive example when they already had a Tohir happen before and now they got sold quickly like you wished and what? No real transfer rumors as well, a mess with the coach and players? Icardi probably leaving? What's positive in their situation other then the quick sell?

Yes, sure. We're in a mess. But if Berlusconi finds the Chinese worthy of selling (to say so), we're back on. Whereas Inter took the path of quick and numerous transitions without any true judgement. If they're lucky they'll be okay, if not, they're in the same mess.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 31 2016, 04:57 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 31 2016, 11:49 AM) *
Man, you gotta shake up a bit. How can Inter be a positive example when they already had a Tohir happen before and now they got sold quickly like you wished and what? No real transfer rumors as well, a mess with the coach and players? Icardi probably leaving? What's positive in their situation other then the quick sell?

Yes, sure. We're in a mess. But if Berlusconi finds the Chinese worthy of selling (to say so), we're back on. Whereas Inter took the path of quick and numerous transitions without any true judgement. If they're lucky they'll be okay, if not, they're in the same mess.


You're being negative just for the sake of it. Let me retort.

Firstly, quick way out doesn't necessarily mean bad. Do you know who the new owners are? Do you know what their plans are? Do you even know for how long they might have been negotiating behind the scenes? Like I said, the purchase just happened a few weeks ago, a lot of things have to be settled. Give it time.

Secondly, Inter had a very good signing campaign last summer. Miranda, Murillo, Kondogbia, Perisic, Jovetic, Ljajic. Compared to ours, it was far better. So, you can't say Thoir was a lost cause for them.

Finally, there's no real issues with the players, just Mancini. And that's his problem. According to Mediaset, Arsenal have offered 60 million for Icardi, Napoli are willing to offer 70 million, but Inter don't want to sell him because they have a project they want to carry through (which I don't agree with cos I don't think Icardi is worth that much, but that's another issue).

If Inter are a mess right now it's because they're in a transition phase, which is completely logical. On the other hand, we have no clue what the f*ck we're doing.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 31 2016, 05:05 PM

Yeah man, give it time! You were the one who first labeled it as a great development for Inter. I merely said that the transition they're going through isn't as smooth as one would think reading your comment.


Posted by: X-Offender Jul 31 2016, 06:46 PM

What?? I didn't label it as a "great development for Inter". I merely stated that they closed their negotiations in a matter of days, whereas we've been dragging this crap for over a year now. It was simply a comparison, but then you started throwing all sorts of negativie remarks towards Inter, which I don't really agree with and which most importantly have nothing to do with my initial point.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 31 2016, 06:54 PM

Perhaps you're right. Anyway, speed doesn't mean anything. I'd rather we do it carefully and benefit from the transition as soon as possible then rush things and enter a cycle Inter entered. Because you can praise them as much as you want, in the end they're still poorly managed, make mostly bad signings/poor choices and have pretty questionable future goals.

Posted by: maldini03 Jul 31 2016, 08:31 PM

I still believe that they (Inter) are in a better position than we are. The players they brought in last summer have for the most part increased in value, and they seem to have a project. Sure this summer has been slow, but their summer has still been so much better than ours. They have brought in Banega, who will improve their midfield considerably, and I also saw today on Gazzetta that Candreva is headed there. He would improve their forward line. Their defense was quite good last year mainly due to Miranda and Handanovic, and they are both still there.

We on the other hand don't have one good quality midfielder, and all we seem concerned with is bringing in more forwards. The defense needs work, the midfield needs work, and even our forwards aren't good enough if we sell Bacca. The only saving grace we have is Donnaruma and Romagnoli who are young players destined for a bright future. Our management is a mess and this takeover gets pushed back every time things seem to get close. This year we will be lucky to make the EL while they will be competing with Rome and Napoli for the silver medal and a CL berth.

This is a big year to make the jump back into the CL. No one can touch Juve but Rome and Napoli are both weakened by the loss of stars. If we spent the money and made big moves this summer we could be right there competing but if anything our squad on paper looks worse than last year. With one month left there is still time but with the state of things right now and our inability to strike a deal with the Chinese things don't look good.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 31 2016, 11:53 PM

QUOTE (maldini03 @ Jul 31 2016, 09:31 PM) *
I still believe that they (Inter) are in a better position than we are. The players they brought in last summer have for the most part increased in value, and they seem to have a project. Sure this summer has been slow, but their summer has still been so much better than ours. They have brought in Banega, who will improve their midfield considerably, and I also saw today on Gazzetta that Candreva is headed there. He would improve their forward line. Their defense was quite good last year mainly due to Miranda and Handanovic, and they are both still there.

We on the other hand don't have one good quality midfielder, and all we seem concerned with is bringing in more forwards. The defense needs work, the midfield needs work, and even our forwards aren't good enough if we sell Bacca. The only saving grace we have is Donnaruma and Romagnoli who are young players destined for a bright future. Our management is a mess and this takeover gets pushed back every time things seem to get close. This year we will be lucky to make the EL while they will be competing with Rome and Napoli for the silver medal and a CL berth.

This is a big year to make the jump back into the CL. No one can touch Juve but Rome and Napoli are both weakened by the loss of stars. If we spent the money and made big moves this summer we could be right there competing but if anything our squad on paper looks worse than last year. With one month left there is still time but with the state of things right now and our inability to strike a deal with the Chinese things don't look good.

Yes, they benefit from last year's investment. However, they still are a bit of a mess. FWIW, the rumor is that Chinese buyers had approached Moratti, but Moratti refused to sell to them. So Thonir stepped in to make it happen (knowing he would eventually sell to the Chinise). If true, this could explain how the sale was closed so quickly (these negotiation normally take time), and why it happened after Moratti sold his remaining shares.

So (assuming the sale happens) we need to be patient one more year (we can start building in the Winter). If, OTOH, it does not happen, then we have problems.

Posted by: maldini03 Aug 2 2016, 02:56 AM

I know we have to be patient, but I feel as though we all have been patient for a long time. Why couldn't they get this deal hashed out before the two months when we could have made moves to really solidify the team. It doesn't make sense to me that they pushed this deal back to August when we have been hearing it would get done by June, then July.

AFAIAC Inter is in a stronger position than we are. Last year the top dogs in the league were Juve, Napoli, Rome, Inter, and Fiorentina. The Viola haven't made any groundbreaking moves to move up the table, Napoli and Rome each sold their best players to Juve, making both of them significantly weaker. If there was a time to jump back into the conversation it was this year. I'm not saying we drop the ridiculous money that is being thrown out, just put the team back on the right track. Our midfield is abysmal, not one quality player our defense has a gaping hole in the center. I think Montella's tactics will suit the players better than his predecessors but the lack of quality is apparent.

On top of this, every promising name we are linked to amounts to nothing. I understand that the money isn't there to splash, but man we aren't doing anything. The team is playing in the US now but it seems that the players that were left home are the ones we are looking to offload. Menez, Bacca, and DS among them. I think DS can still come out good, he played very well at the Euros, he just needs a bit of confidence but we seem intent on getting rid of him which baffles the mind. Instead of getting stronger we seem to be falling even further into mediocrity. Every year we burn before a takeover will be more time on the other end when the money comes in. At least if we sell players put the money into young players, building blocks for the future and success. Niang and Menez are perfect examples of this. We got both for peanuts, Menez we are sending away for nothing, while Niang's stock has only risen.

With the way the transfer market is now and the astronomical prices that players are going for, the best way to become successful is by buying young players when their value is low and selling them and turning a profit or using them as cornerstones to a successful team. Juve is the perfect example, as much as I dislike them, their model is fantastic. They have found sustained success despite giving away a guy like Verratti. They built most of the team from the ground up and now as they push for CL success they can afford to drop silly money on Higuain. Now they are completely out of reach for the rest of Serie A.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 3 2016, 05:05 AM

QUOTE (maldini03 @ Aug 2 2016, 03:56 AM) *
I know we have to be patient, but I feel as though we all have been patient for a long time. Why couldn't they get this deal hashed out before the two months when we could have made moves to really solidify the team. It doesn't make sense to me that they pushed this deal back to August when we have been hearing it would get done by June, then July.

AFAIAC Inter is in a stronger position than we are. Last year the top dogs in the league were Juve, Napoli, Rome, Inter, and Fiorentina. The Viola haven't made any groundbreaking moves to move up the table, Napoli and Rome each sold their best players to Juve, making both of them significantly weaker. If there was a time to jump back into the conversation it was this year. I'm not saying we drop the ridiculous money that is being thrown out, just put the team back on the right track. Our midfield is abysmal, not one quality player our defense has a gaping hole in the center. I think Montella's tactics will suit the players better than his predecessors but the lack of quality is apparent.

On top of this, every promising name we are linked to amounts to nothing. I understand that the money isn't there to splash, but man we aren't doing anything. The team is playing in the US now but it seems that the players that were left home are the ones we are looking to offload. Menez, Bacca, and DS among them. I think DS can still come out good, he played very well at the Euros, he just needs a bit of confidence but we seem intent on getting rid of him which baffles the mind. Instead of getting stronger we seem to be falling even further into mediocrity. Every year we burn before a takeover will be more time on the other end when the money comes in. At least if we sell players put the money into young players, building blocks for the future and success. Niang and Menez are perfect examples of this. We got both for peanuts, Menez we are sending away for nothing, while Niang's stock has only risen.

With the way the transfer market is now and the astronomical prices that players are going for, the best way to become successful is by buying young players when their value is low and selling them and turning a profit or using them as cornerstones to a successful team. Juve is the perfect example, as much as I dislike them, their model is fantastic. They have found sustained success despite giving away a guy like Verratti. They built most of the team from the ground up and now as they push for CL success they can afford to drop silly money on Higuain. Now they are completely out of reach for the rest of Serie A.

Juve has been managed very well, we have been managed very poorly. Even when we have thrown money at the transfer market, the results have been inadequate. Our situation will not change short of an acquisition leading to a change in management. As for Inter, yes, they are in a better situation than us in that they have gotten decent players and money to spend. However, they have their problems as well.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 3 2016, 10:28 AM

Just cos I'm bored, what do you guys think would be the best starting line-up with the players we currently have?

I think that anything other than 4-4-2 would be stupid. 4-3-1-2 is outdated and we don't have the trequartista for it, just like we don't have the appropriate players for 4-3-3. Hence, I'd play:

Donnarumma; Abate, Zapata, Romagnoli, De Sciglio; Suso, Montolivo, Bertolacci, Bonaventura; Niang, Bacca.

By the way, are we playing the Supercoppa this year by any chance?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 3 2016, 11:10 AM

Yeah, take notice: 23rd of December, Abu Dhabi. Supercoppa final, Juventus-Milan. Maybe the inaugural final of a new era? Who knows.

Anyway. I think 4-3-3 is doable, but more importantly - that's what Montella will play IMO. My picks would be:

Lopez; Abate, Zapata, Romagnoli, De Sciglio; Montolivo, Bertolacci, Bonaventura (Poli); Niang, Suso (Bonaventura), Bacca.

About Donnarumma. I'd seriously sit back a little on this. He was plain awful against Bayern.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Aug 3 2016, 08:29 PM

Isn't Lopez going to Chelsea?

Posted by: han2503 Aug 4 2016, 03:31 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Aug 3 2016, 08:29 PM) *
Isn't Lopez going to Chelsea?

Fell through. Chelsea couldn't get rid of Begovic so they won't be signing Lopez. Who we were also willing to let go for free might I add, instead of trying to get some cash in for a good player we were going to give him for free just to get his wages off the books

Posted by: han2503 Aug 4 2016, 03:32 PM

Also, I'm with Fillipo on this one, I'm not convinced by Donna, and I do think we should slow our role a bit with him. We've jumped head first into it with no reliable back up aside from Gabriel who I far from trust

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 4 2016, 04:02 PM

Indeed. Last season we had veterans like Abbiati and Lopez holding the ladder to Donna. With them probably gone (Abbiati already retired), I'm very skeptic. Yes, you gotta play youth and create your brands/franchise players. But let's take a look at De Sciglio who didn't benefit much of our environment.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 6 2016, 12:46 PM

Linked with http://www.calciomercato.com/news/zidane-taglia-isco-il-milan-ci-pensa-876882, http://www.calciomercato.com/news/milan-blitz-per-cuadrado-coi-soldi-cinesi-877793, and even http://www.calciomercato.com/news/diawara-per-la-juve-se-borja-valero-va-alla-roma-con-il-milan-su-391558.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 6 2016, 01:18 PM

Hopefully not Witsel.

Posted by: milanbuf88 Aug 6 2016, 01:20 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Aug 6 2016, 08:46 AM) *
Linked with http://www.calciomercato.com/news/zidane-taglia-isco-il-milan-ci-pensa-876882, http://www.calciomercato.com/news/milan-blitz-per-cuadrado-coi-soldi-cinesi-877793, and even http://www.calciomercato.com/news/diawara-per-la-juve-se-borja-valero-va-alla-roma-con-il-milan-su-391558.

Isco would be a dream pick up. With Isco and Cuadrado I think we'd be in pretty decent shape for the season.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 6 2016, 01:20 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 6 2016, 01:18 PM) *
Hopefully not Witsel.


Why not?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 6 2016, 01:34 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 6 2016, 03:20 PM) *
Why not?

Because he's a second-rate midfielder who's vastly overrated just because he plays in a sexy and fancy NT. The last Euro proved what I've already suspected. A 27 year old midfielder who plays at Zenith, limited vision and capabilities, usually just running up and down like Flamini used to for us. I think he'd be a waste of space and time, since we already have Poli and Kučka. We need a marquee player, some like Bastian, Kovačić, Cuadrado or Valero. Not Witsel IMO.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 6 2016, 03:33 PM

Also, I'd prefer Kovacic over Isco, I think he'd fit in better in Montella's midfield.

Imo, we need someone to replace all 3 of our current starting mids. Berto, Monto and Kucka could be good rotation players, but they're not good enough to be starting. Imo we needs all of Witsel, Bastian and Kovacic for that midfield 3 and I honestly think it's do-able, at this point I would forget about Cuadrado and just sign these 3

We can probably get Bastian on a free as Mourinho has basically shunned him from his squad. Kovacic I'm thinking we can get him for a loan + obligation for around 25m (when the cash comes in) and Witsel would be an upgrade on Kucka but someone we'd have to put money upfront for. And I sort of agree with Fillipo on this one. I don't think Witsel is as great as some might think he is. He's farily one dynamic and doesn't offer much but the players who I'd love to have to fill in a box-to-box role in our midfield (Radja, Matuidi, Sissoko, etc) would be out of our reach.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 6 2016, 05:56 PM

Don't get your hopes up, Han. Berto, Kucka and Monto will probably be our starting mids next season, unless we get someone decent on loan.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 6 2016, 08:25 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 6 2016, 05:56 PM) *
Don't get your hopes up, Han. Berto, Kucka and Monto will probably be our starting mids next season, unless we get someone decent on loan.

We'll see. Problem is, Montella's system relies heavily on creative, dynamic mids. So if those 3 remain as is for the starting trio, we'll have problems.

Bigger than last season as Miha was mostly able to grind out a couple of results by by-passing the midfield and playing a rigid 4-4-2, something Montella won't be able/willing to do

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 7 2016, 02:33 PM

Linked with http://www.calciomercato.com/news/milan-galliani-incontra-l-agente-di-badelj-ecco-l-offerta-alla-f-754073

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 7 2016, 02:49 PM

Please no.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 7 2016, 05:19 PM

I feel like we should just concentrate on signing 2/3 players max who are worthy than going after every available player on the market right now.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Aug 7 2016, 05:29 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 7 2016, 05:49 PM) *
Please no.


Don't worry, they will bring in the players they like. Not the players we like.

Fact king.gif

P.s. and it has nothing to do with Galliani, even if he is the one negotiating laugh.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 8 2016, 10:21 AM

Just as I suspected, by selling Pogba Juventus took a step back at their goals.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 8 2016, 12:52 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 8 2016, 10:21 AM) *
Just as I suspected, by selling Pogba Juventus took a step back at their goals.


Really? I see it differently. Pogba is a massively overrated player that NEVER shows up in the big games. They got him for free 3 years ago, and they're selling him for €110 million! That is absolute genius.

Juventus are much better off with Pjanic and Higuain than they were with just Pogba. Not to mention they're going to replace him anyway. Rumors say Matiudi, who IMO is better than Pogba.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 8 2016, 12:55 PM

New rumors on Isco. Loan with obligation to buy.

http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/mercato/milan/milan-nuovo-look-a-centrocampo-badelj-e-isco-bacca-verso-l-addio_1112582-201602a.shtml

I really wish we just signed Isco and Musacchio and called it a day. Better than going after a bunch of subpar players like Sosa, Badelj, Zaza etc. that will accomplish nothing in the end.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 8 2016, 01:33 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 8 2016, 02:52 PM) *
Really? I see it differently. Pogba is a massively overrated player that NEVER shows up in the big games. They got him for free 3 years ago, and they're selling him for €110 million! That is absolute genius.

Juventus are much better off with Pjanic and Higuain than they were with just Pogba. Not to mention they're going to replace him anyway. Rumors say Matiudi, who IMO is better than Pogba.

You know that Pogba is 23, right? Ronaldo has been called a choker in big games as well, look how it turned up.

The commercial side of the story is less interesting. Sure, they've earned a load of money on him. But at the same time they gave away a substantial proportion of that money for Higuain. Are they honestly better that way now? I don't think so.

Matuidi certainly isn't better then Pogba. And we'll see if they even sign him in the first place.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 8 2016, 01:48 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 8 2016, 01:33 PM) *
You know that Pogba is 23, right? Ronaldo has been called a choker in big games as well, look how it turned up.

The commercial side of the story is less interesting. Sure, they've earned a load of money on him. But at the same time they gave away a substantial proportion of that money for Higuain. Are they honestly better that way now? I don't think so.

Matuidi certainly isn't better then Pogba. And we'll see if they even sign him in the first place.


Um, he's 23, so what? That's old enough. It's not like he's 18 or something. And don't compare him to Ronaldo cos they're entirely different players.

The commercial side might be less interesting for you, but you do realize they just gained 110 million out of nothing. That's 15% of the whole sum Berlusconi is selling Milan, just for one player.

And are you seriously telling me that a Juve with Pjanic and Higuain but without Pogba isn't better than the contrary? Nope, I don't buy that for a bit.

Matiudi certainly isn't better? Where do you get that certainty from? What exactly has Pogba accomplished to be considered the most expensive player in the world? Nothing.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 8 2016, 02:28 PM

Okay, okay, we seem to disagree completely.

By stating that he's 23 I meant to say that there's still lots of potential within him. He can surpass this apparent choker attitude you seem to worry about. He has immense physical capabilities, he is skilled and has great technique and intelligence. He's played a Euro final, a CL final, won tons of Italian trophies - since you ask. A now let me ask you. What has a 29 year old Matuidi ever done to be considered better?

But I don't like such debates, I only stated the question to indulge you and point to some evident flaws in logic. I think what's important is that Pogba is still in his formative years and shows lots of promise to be one of the better midfielders of the new age. Matuidi is on a downward spiral.

Sure, the commercial aspect is brilliant. Again, we are not talking about this stuff. Sure it's a great deal commercially. I'm looking at the footballing aspect. With Alves, Pjanić, Pjaca and Higuain in and Pogba, Morata, Cuadrado out I don't see much important improvement in terms of CL quality/pretender material. Sorry.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 8 2016, 03:30 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 8 2016, 01:48 PM) *
Um, he's 23, so what? That's old enough. It's not like he's 18 or something. And don't compare him to Ronaldo cos they're entirely different players.

The commercial side might be less interesting for you, but you do realize they just gained 110 million out of nothing. That's 15% of the whole sum Berlusconi is selling Milan, just for one player.

And are you seriously telling me that a Juve with Pjanic and Higuain but without Pogba isn't better than the contrary? Nope, I don't buy that for a bit.

Matiudi certainly isn't better? Where do you get that certainty from? What exactly has Pogba accomplished to be considered the most expensive player in the world? Nothing.

I like Matuidi a lot, but I seriously don't think he's better than Pogba

Also, think back to the beginning of last season when Pogba was injured and Juve were struggling. They started to claw their way back once he was back in the team. He's a huge talent, and in today's crazy transfer climate he's worth what United have paid. Don't think that's the case with Juve an Higuain though. He's no where near worth that. Sure he's a proven Serie A striker who will easily score 25+ goals in the league alone. But they were going to walk all over the league with or without Higuain. His signing was a frivolous one meant to soften the blow of selling Pogba.

Are Juve better off now that they've sold arguably their best and most marketable player? I honestly don't think so, not in terms of the CL which is their goal for next season. Pjanic and Higuain are both great players, but they've lost someone who's on another level and will continue to get better in the coming years.

I personally think it's a blow to them footballing wise. Forget what they got for him, which they pretty much spent all of it and then some on Higuain (90+ million and Pjanic 30+ million)

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 8 2016, 03:54 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Aug 8 2016, 04:30 PM) *
I like Matuidi a lot, but I seriously don't think he's better than Pogba

Also, think back to the beginning of last season when Pogba was injured and Juve were struggling. They started to claw their way back once he was back in the team. He's a huge talent, and in today's crazy transfer climate he's worth what United have paid. Don't think that's the case with Juve an Higuain though. He's no where near worth that. Sure he's a proven Serie A striker who will easily score 25+ goals in the league alone. But they were going to walk all over the league with or without Higuain. His signing was a frivolous one meant to soften the blow of selling Pogba.

Are Juve better off now that they've sold arguably their best and most marketable player? I honestly don't think so, not in terms of the CL which is their goal for next season. Pjanic and Higuain are both great players, but they've lost someone who's on another level and will continue to get better in the coming years.

I personally think it's a blow to them footballing wise. Forget what they got for him, which they pretty much spent all of it and then some on Higuain (90+ million and Pjanic 30+ million)

I guess the idea of trowing that much money at Higuain was that they would have a better chance to win the CL. I am not a huge fan of Higuain (very good player, but not great, AFAIAC). And the loss of Pogba may cause them more problems than they realize. Have to wonder if we are going to see more of an "Allegri style" Juve now, and it will be interesting to see how that will work for them. (Most likely they will win the scudetto again, but they may not do as well in CL as they are hoping.)

That said, this does show what a well-managed team can do. When Juve got Pogba, he was not that expensive. Juve went for a young player with promise, and (right or wrong) they are now "cashing in". Meanwhile, we went for ... what? A bunch of nameless players, which we overpaid and could not / cannot get rid of.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 8 2016, 03:57 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Aug 7 2016, 06:29 PM) *
Don't worry, they will bring in the players they like. Not the players we like.

Fact king.gif

P.s. and it has nothing to do with Galliani, even if he is the one negotiating laugh.gif

True. OTOH, it looks like the new management will block the kind of moves we made in the past, bringing in useless players (well past their prime or just plain worthless) and paying them so much that it then becomes near-impossible to get rid of them. Bottom line, I am more optimistic than I have been in recent years, despite the fact that we are out of time.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 8 2016, 04:01 PM

Undoubtedly Juventus is a shrewdly managed team. But that's also the reason the fail to capitalize in Europe so often. They value marketing and the Serie A apparently much more. It's a club that had Zidane but failed to make a true impact in Europe with him. They usually sell their (non-Italian) marquee players for unthinkable sums, yet fail to excel and always satisfy with picking up the cream from Serie A and dominating Italian football.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 8 2016, 04:04 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 8 2016, 01:55 PM) *
New rumors on Isco. Loan with obligation to buy.

http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/mercato/milan/milan-nuovo-look-a-centrocampo-badelj-e-isco-bacca-verso-l-addio_1112582-201602a.shtml

I really wish we just signed Isco and Musacchio and called it a day. Better than going after a bunch of subpar players like Sosa, Badelj, Zaza etc. that will accomplish nothing in the end.

At this stage, I agree that a couple of good additions will go a lot further than multiple average players. Will not fix all of our problems, but it should make us a little more competitive, perhaps good enough to get to Europa.

However, sadly we are still linked with http://www.calciomercato.com/news/milan-rivoluzione-in-attacco-per-far-spazio-a-zaza-121140. In my mind, Zaza is gonna be forever associated to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I93h6_ArYY. He was brought in to do one job, and ...

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 8 2016, 04:06 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 8 2016, 05:01 PM) *
Undoubtedly Juventus is a shrewdly managed team. But that's also the reason the fail to capitalize in Europe so often. They value marketing and the Serie A apparently much more. It's a club that had Zidane but failed to make a true impact in Europe with him. They usually sell their (non-Italian) marquee players for unthinkable sums, yet fail to excel and always satisfy with picking up the cream from Serie A and dominating Italian football.

True. OTOH, right now I would rather be Juve than Milan.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 8 2016, 04:18 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Aug 8 2016, 03:54 PM) *
I guess the idea of trowing that much money at Higuain was that they would have a better chance to win the CL. I am not a huge fan of Higuain (very good player, but not great, AFAIAC). And the loss of Pogba may cause them more problems than they realize. Have to wonder if we are going to see more of an "Allegri style" Juve now, and it will be interesting to see how that will work for them. (Most likely they will win the scudetto again, but they may not do as well in CL as they are hoping.)

That said, this does show what a well-managed team can do. When Juve got Pogba, he was not that expensive. Juve went for a young player with promise, and (right or wrong) they are now "cashing in". Meanwhile, we went for ... what? A bunch of nameless players, which we overpaid and could not / cannot get rid of.

You can say in this case that Juve are a well run business because no other truly elite side would sell their best player. no matter the money. Do you see Real selling Ronaldo/Modric/Kroos/etc while they're in their prime? Never. Same thing with Barca, Bayern, etc.

Juve losing their best player to a team that's not even in the CL for me speaks volumes in terms of their ambitions and Serie A in general.

Yes they made other big signing, but as you mentioned, they pick off the league's best players and sell their biggest stars outside of it. That's their MO, it's always been their MO and it's why they'll never be a huge brand outside of Italy.

As for Allegri, he still has the undisputed best team in the league, he's in an even better position than he probably ever really was, aside from his Scudetto season with us. There's no real competition for the league, his team greatly weakened his direct competitors. But I'm thinking they'll struggle in the CL this year

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Aug 8 2016, 03:57 PM) *
True. OTOH, it looks like the new management will block the kind of moves we made in the past, bringing in useless players (well past their prime or just plain worthless) and paying them so much that it then becomes near-impossible to get rid of them. Bottom line, I am more optimistic than I have been in recent years, despite the fact that we are out of time.

Yep, no way Galliani will be allowed to do what he wants as he was allowed to in the past, he has people to answer to now, and most outlets seem pretty sure that he won't last at Milan past the closing of the sale to the Chinese. Any move he makes will have to get a seal of approval from people other than Berlu now. The days of satisfying Genoa and his agent buddies are over.

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 8 2016, 04:01 PM) *
Undoubtedly Juventus is a shrewdly managed team. But that's also the reason the fail to capitalize in Europe so often. They value marketing and the Serie A apparently much more. It's a club that had Zidane but failed to make a true impact in Europe with him. They usually sell their (non-Italian) marquee players for unthinkable sums, yet fail to excel and always satisfy with picking up the cream from Serie A and dominating Italian football.

Agreed. Plus I feel that in this case the business aspect of running the club was considered more than the footballing one, which imo will hurt the team in the long run

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Aug 8 2016, 04:04 PM) *
At this stage, I agree that a couple of good additions will go a lot further than multiple average players. Will not fix all of our problems, but it should make us a little more competitive, perhaps good enough to get to Europa.

However, sadly we are still linked with http://www.calciomercato.com/news/milan-rivoluzione-in-attacco-per-far-spazio-a-zaza-121140. In my mind, Zaza is gonna be forever associated to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I93h6_ArYY. He was brought in to do one job, and ...

Yep. At this point, if we really do have a very limited budget, I'd rather things stay as they are and we make proper signings when the cash influx comes in rather than making a couple of panic buys, who might be slight improvements over the current crop we have (Badelj for example is better than all our current mids, but he'd only be a slight improvement) but won't really add much to the team as a whole. I hope Galliani is not allowed to continue with his long standing philosophy of quantity over quality

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Aug 8 2016, 04:26 PM

I've been researching our new signing. Gustavo Gomez and I'm really hearing great things. A lot of fans from S.America saying we made a steal. He's been core to the league winning side in Argentina and is supposedly quite physical without being tactically foolish.

I'm quite curious to see him play.

I'm not sold on Cuadrado. I find him to be a very inconsistent player tending to drift out of games too often to my liking but we don't have a player like him in our roster so I can't say I'm against it. We now mostly lack quality in the centre midfield area. Too many tractors, not enough artists.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 8 2016, 04:54 PM

I really don't view Pogba as a big star and an integral part of this Juventus side. As I said, he is massively overrated and never performs in the big games. Undoubtedly he's a very good player and has room for improvement, but for 110 million I wouldn't think twice about selling him. Juve have made a fantastic move in this regard, I will never stop stressing this enough.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 8 2016, 05:03 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 8 2016, 06:54 PM) *
I really don't view Pogba as a big star and an integral part of this Juventus side. As I said, he is massively overrated and never performs in the big games. Undoubtedly he's a very good player and has room for improvement, but for 110 million I wouldn't think twice about selling him. Juve have made a fantastic move in this regard, I will never stop stressing this enough.

It's like you speak to yourself. Everyone acknowledged this fantastic move. But we're talking also about the footballing side. You failed to answer what Matuidi achieved that would make him so great. Also, can you give us some examples of Pogba not performing in big games?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 8 2016, 05:13 PM

Milan (along with Inter and Roma) linked now with Nasri. He sure is more capable then our current creators. That being said, he proved to be rather difficult to work with, so I'd rather find someone new.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 8 2016, 05:34 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Aug 8 2016, 04:26 PM) *
I've been researching our new signing. Gustavo Gomez and I'm really hearing great things. A lot of fans from S.America saying we made a steal. He's been core to the league winning side in Argentina and is supposedly quite physical without being tactically foolish.

I'm quite curious to see him play.

I'm not sold on Cuadrado. I find him to be a very inconsistent player tending to drift out of games too often to my liking but we don't have a player like him in our roster so I can't say I'm against it. We now mostly lack quality in the centre midfield area. Too many tractors, not enough artists.

Yeah, I've read good things as well, also watched a couple of vids on youtube, He seems to be fairly quick, good on the ball, pretty good tackler and from the very limited opinion I could form by watching a compilation (which I admit could be very misleading) he seems to be a good reader of the game considering the amount of times he bailed his teammates out. I guess we'll see, but I'm convinced that he can't be any worse than Zapata, Ely or even Paletta. I honestly don't know why we renewed Zapata's contract he's been terrible for a long while now. And Paletta seems to be wanted by Atalanta, we should cash in if there's an opportunity

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 8 2016, 04:54 PM) *
I really don't view Pogba as a big star and an integral part of this Juventus side. As I said, he is massively overrated and never performs in the big games. Undoubtedly he's a very good player and has room for improvement, but for 110 million I wouldn't think twice about selling him. Juve have made a fantastic move in this regard, I will never stop stressing this enough.

But in retro-spect you think that Higuain was a good singing? You admit that he's not worth what Juve paid for him. I personally think Juve took 2 steps backwards with this. It won't really effect them domestically but I think we'll see the result of this move in the CL

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 8 2016, 05:13 PM) *
Milan (along with Inter and Roma) linked now with Nasri. He sure is more capable then our current creators. That being said, he proved to be rather difficult to work with, so I'd rather find someone new.

puke.gif

Honestly, I'd rather try to make an offer to Barca for Turan. He seems surplus there, and I think he'd be a great add for Montella to play a 4-2-3-1.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 8 2016, 05:37 PM

Also re: Cuadrado, I agree Jack, I don't think he's all that, but he did play some of his best football under Montella.

I'd personally rather we strengthened the core of the team .i.e get 2 creative mids in and 1 other CB. The wings and attack could be improved on later.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 8 2016, 10:15 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 8 2016, 05:03 PM) *
It's like you speak to yourself. Everyone acknowledged this fantastic move. But we're talking also about the footballing side. You failed to answer what Matuidi achieved that would make him so great. Also, can you give us some examples of Pogba not performing in big games?


You said about Pogba that "he has immense physical capabilities, he is skilled and has great technique and intelligence. He's played a Euro final, a CL final, won tons of Italian trophies". I could say the very same thing about Matiudi. So, my question still stands: what has Pogba achieved more to be considered the better player? A CL final? Is that all it takes to make a difference?

And you want me to give examples of Pogba choking in big games? Hon, he's choked in all of them. Remind me one crucial Juventus game where Pogba was MVP. Cos I sure as hell can't remember. I only remember Pogba being an absolute nobody whenever it counted. Same with France. Completely choked in the final.

QUOTE (han2503 @ Aug 8 2016, 05:34 PM) *
But in retro-spect you think that Higuain was a good singing? You admit that he's not worth what Juve paid for him. I personally think Juve took 2 steps backwards with this. It won't really effect them domestically but I think we'll see the result of this move in the CL


Because as I've said a million times by now, Higuain is exactly what Juventus needed, and he's worth that amount way more than Pogba is worth the amount he's being sold for. Sure, nobody is worth 94 million or 110 million for that matter. As Rio Ferdinand stated today, no football player is worth more than 20 million. But at least Higuain as proven himself to be a goalscoring machine again and again, whereas Pogba has proven ABSOLUTELY NOTHING at this point in his career.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 8 2016, 10:48 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 9 2016, 12:15 AM) *
You said about Pogba that "he has immense physical capabilities, he is skilled and has great technique and intelligence. He's played a Euro final, a CL final, won tons of Italian trophies". I could say the very same thing about Matiudi. So, my question still stands: what has Pogba achieved more to be considered the better player? A CL final? Is that all it takes to make a difference?

And you want me to give examples of Pogba choking in big games? Hon, he's choked in all of them. Remind me one crucial Juventus game where Pogba was MVP. Cos I sure as hell can't remember. I only remember Pogba being an absolute nobody whenever it counted. Same with France. Completely choked in the final.

Maybe the difference is that Pogba has 23 and he started his career with a CL final, a Euro final and some Italian silverware, whereas Matuidi is at the end of his career? Also, Pogba is IMO much better in the attacking phase. But you've dodged again answering my question. I repeat once and for all: what makes Matuidi better according to your standards?

Let's take a closer look: Pogba played 41 games last season in Serie A and CL, scored 9 + 14 assists. Matuidi at the same time played 26, scored 4 + 8 assists. The season before Pogba had 34 matches, 9 goals and 5 assists. Our friend Matuidi? Played 35, with 5 goals and 3 assists. Maybe an off season? Let's take a look at the 13/14 season: 39 matches, 7 goals and 8 assists. What about Matuidi? 35 matches, 4 goals and 5 assists.

People used to talk about Ronaldo the very same thing. And various players as well. Take the Coppa final: Pogba was very good. Take the CL final where he played even if he was injured and still managed a good performance. But okay, here we clearly disagree.

QUOTE
Because as I've said a million times by now, Higuain is exactly what Juventus needed, and he's worth that amount way more than Pogba is worth the amount he's being sold for. Sure, nobody is worth 94 million or 110 million for that matter. As Rio Ferdinand stated today, no football player is worth more than 20 million. But at least Higuain as proven himself to be a goalscoring machine again and again, whereas Pogba has proven ABSOLUTELY NOTHING at this point in his career.


You honestly think that all Juventus needs to excel in Europe is a poacher alla Higuain? Really? So we'll see. According to you they should thrive with the likes of Pjanić (who's btw perhaps the biggest choker I've seen) and Higuain. I'll take you by your word.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 8 2016, 11:41 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 8 2016, 10:48 PM) *
Maybe the difference is that Pogba has 23 and he started his career with a CL final, a Euro final and some Italian silverware, whereas Matuidi is at the end of his career? Also, Pogba is IMO much better in the attacking phase. But you've dodged again answering my question. I repeat once and for all: what makes Matuidi better according to your standards?

Let's take a closer look: Pogba played 41 games last season in Serie A and CL, scored 9 + 14 assists. Matuidi at the same time played 26, scored 4 + 8 assists. The season before Pogba had 34 matches, 9 goals and 5 assists. Our friend Matuidi? Played 35, with 5 goals and 3 assists. Maybe an off season? Let's take a look at the 13/14 season: 39 matches, 7 goals and 8 assists. What about Matuidi? 35 matches, 4 goals and 5 assists.


I appreciate your effort to stack up all those stats, but you make it seem like Pogba's numbers are much higher. It's no wonder that Pogba has higher scoring/assist stats than Matuidi considering he's a more offensive player. That doesn't necessarily make him the better player, though.

To answer your question, I think Matuidi is better because every time I've seen him play in Europe he's impressed me way more than Pogba. He might not be the better player to someone else, say, yourself, but if Juve sell Pogba and sign Matuidi to replace him, they're not losing much in my honest opinion.

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 8 2016, 10:48 PM) *
People used to talk about Ronaldo the very same thing. And various players as well. Take the Coppa final: Pogba was very good. Take the CL final where he played even if he was injured and still managed a good performance. But okay, here we clearly disagree.


Um, no, he did not. He was subpar in the CL final. He's been subpar in every single big match. And this is a 110 million player we're talking about. I take into consideration that he might overcome this issue eventually, but that's questionable.

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 8 2016, 10:48 PM) *
You honestly think that all Juventus needs to excel in Europe is a poacher alla Higuain? Really? So we'll see. According to you they should thrive with the likes of Pjanić (who's btw perhaps the biggest choker I've seen) and Higuain. I'll take you by your word.


Higuain, a poacher? Sorry pal, but I can't reply to that if you believe Higuain to be just a poacher.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 9 2016, 09:06 AM

So, what's you prediction then? Juventus are according to you already stronger then the last two seasons, they made a important step forward, yes? What's then you prediction for them this season? Semifinal? Finalist? Winner?

Oh, and you make Higuain and Pogba sound like we're talking about Ronaldo and Badelj wink.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 9 2016, 09:09 AM

According to MN Bacca will give his final answer to West Ham shortly (today/tomorrow). If we sell him, we're gonna go after Pavoletti puke.gif

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Aug 9 2016, 09:25 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 9 2016, 11:09 AM) *
According to MN Bacca will give his final answer to West Ham shortly (today/tomorrow). If we sell him, we're gonna go after Pavoletti puke.gif


I cant believe this, with the new owners I thought that if we sell a good player we will buy a better one. If we sell Bacca I would rather invest that money in midfield or defense.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 9 2016, 09:28 AM

Well nothing is gonna happen momentarily. Hopefully it's just the Italian medias not having a clue about our targets.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Aug 9 2016, 10:01 AM

Oğuzhan Özyakup is the alternative of Badelj according to TuttoSport.

Celta Vigo have offered €6-7m for Suso, Milan won't sell him for less than €10m. The money would go for Cuadrado, but without the arrival of Cuadrado, Suso is considered absolutely unsellable. #GdS

Sky: Montella wants a midfielder and a winger, the objectives are Badelj and Cuadrado. The first alternative of Badelj is Sosa who is waiting for Milan, and Besiktas want €8-9m. The agent of Cuadrado is working to force the sale of Cuadrado, if Milan are not able to sign him then the alternative is Januzaj. Waiting for Bacca, who has still not gave his okay to West Ham to formalize his move. His sale would unblock the mercato of Milan.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Aug 9 2016, 11:18 AM

John Stones has signed with Man City for 50m Euros, while we sold Thiago Silva for 40m, SMH.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 9 2016, 11:26 AM

But that was years ago. EPL prizes never stop amaze me though.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 9 2016, 11:57 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 9 2016, 09:06 AM) *
So, what's you prediction then? Juventus are according to you already stronger then the last two seasons, they made a important step forward, yes? What's then you prediction for them this season? Semifinal? Finalist? Winner?

Oh, and you make Higuain and Pogba sound like we're talking about Ronaldo and Badelj wink.gif


Can't say for sure. You can't make such predictions because it all depends on who you face in the KO stages. All I can say for now is that after Barça, Madrid and Bayern, Juventus have the best team in Europe (supposing they replace Pogba with someone decent).

QUOTE (d'Arc.LP @ Aug 9 2016, 09:25 AM) *
I cant believe this, with the new owners I thought that if we sell a good player we will buy a better one. If we sell Bacca I would rather invest that money in midfield or defense.


As Filipo said, it's still too early. The deal hasn't even been finalized yet, and whatever signings we'll make now won't fall on the new management.

That being said, selling Bacca to sign Badelj and frigging Pavoletti is completely illogical. Why even go after someone like Pavoletti when we signed Lapadulla for 9 million only a few weeks ago?

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 9 2016, 11:26 AM) *
But that was years ago. EPL prizes never stop amaze me though.


Indeed. Silva's transfer fee was a world record for a defender, but records are meant to be broken. And we live in a day and age where transfer fees are reaching ridiculous levels, especially in the EPL.

ManCity have spent 191 million this summer on John Stones, Leroy Sanè, Gabriel Jesus, Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, Marlos Moreno e Oleksandr Zinchenko.

That is absolutely insane. Aside from Gundogan (who wasn't actually paid that much) the rest are a bunch of nobodies. Money is truly like toilet paper in England.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 9 2016, 06:28 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 9 2016, 09:09 AM) *
According to MN Bacca will give his final answer to West Ham shortly (today/tomorrow). If we sell him, we're gonna go after Pavoletti puke.gif

Nah, they're just making the obvious link because he's a Genoa player.

Plus Galliani is no longer allowed to do as he pleases so I'm expecting these types of moves to not happen anymore

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 9 2016, 09:28 AM) *
Well nothing is gonna happen momentarily. Hopefully it's just the Italian medias not having a clue about our targets.

It's the 9th of August, we barely have 3 weeks left to make any moves this summer, and it's looking likely that we're going into next season with the same group that finished 7th last season. Which is a whole lotta scary

That being said, I'd rather we stay as is than make a stupid panic buy that we're stuck with for the next 4 years

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 9 2016, 11:26 AM) *
But that was years ago. EPL prizes never stop amaze me though.

Actually, transfer sums were already ridiculous then, and let's not forget that Galliani gave them a 2 for 1 special and served Ibra on a platter to PSG for peanuts. We got 60m for both players, when PSG paid 50m just 2 seasons later for Luiz... Honestly, this deal still makes me furious years later because those 2 were worth double, if not more than that at the time.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 11 2016, 12:38 AM

Don't know where to post this, so I picked this topic.

Anyone watched the Trofeo TIM? A really good litmus test that hopefully clears a few things. I see the Italian papers blame Lopez, but he was solid IMO. MDS should be played on the left, and I was glad to see him play as team captain. He should be our pick this season. Suso, Niang and Adriano were good. This Adriano fellow is perplexing to me; don't know whether I should give him a chance or not. Peculiar player.

Verghara and Paletta (who would have known...) are a disaster. Both should be transferred to Serie B clubs in no time.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 11 2016, 01:01 AM

I didn't even know it was on today.

Anyway, it's pretty shameful to concede 3 goals to Sassuolo in 30 minutes, especially if you're up 2-0.

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