Printable Version of Topic

Click here to view this topic in its original format

AC Milan - Milanfan.com _ Transfers _ Summer Transfers 2019

Posted by: han2503 Jun 23 2019, 06:58 PM

All chit chat here guys

I'm back from my Milan hiatus but looking at the news lately just makes me want to retreat back into the cave

It feels like we're going around in circles while Juve are signing De Ligt and Sarri and Inter get Conte. Just so demoralizing tbh

Add to that losing Leo is going to be a big hit for us


Giampaolo is a good coach, just not sure he's what we need atm. The Ceballos links are the only uplifting pieces of new right now, so lets see where that goes

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 23 2019, 10:29 PM

No idea how good this Ceballos kid is, never heard of him before. Looks like he plays CM primarily.

Also, I read on Mediaset we're being linked with Theo Hernandez, LB of Real. Maldini met him in Ibiza.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 23 2019, 10:30 PM

Oh, and I also read that we made the first official offer for Torreira: two-year loan with right to purchase at 38M. Obviously Arsenal will refuse, unless they're stupid.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 24 2019, 12:01 AM

Torreira would be great though.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 24 2019, 06:12 AM

Theo Hernandez is loan with no option to buy as per article on football italia. I dont think that is a kind of deal we should do.

Secondly there were rumors about Elliott putting a salary cap of 2.5m net for all new signing.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 24 2019, 09:28 PM

I read that Torreira could be pushing for a move back, but honestly, it seems very unlikely atm

Ceballos and Torreria would definitely be high impact players imo, just can't see them joining this summer.

Reading a lot of rumors that Kessie will most likely be sacrificed. I think it's a good move if we can somehow sell him and get Torreira coming in. But chances of that happening are pretty low imo

Kessie is a beast physically but his footballing IQ is just non existent. I though that he could at least learn to do the simple things better by now, but he's still messing that up even now after 2 full seasons. So if we can somehow move him on and get a high reward for him then we should jump at the chance

Posted by: Danny Jun 24 2019, 09:37 PM

In case anyone cares, San Siro being demolished.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 24 2019, 09:54 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jun 24 2019, 09:28 PM) *
I read that Torreira could be pushing for a move back, but honestly, it seems very unlikely atm

Ceballos and Torreria would definitely be high impact players imo, just can't see them joining this summer.

Reading a lot of rumors that Kessie will most likely be sacrificed. I think it's a good move if we can somehow sell him and get Torreira coming in. But chances of that happening are pretty low imo

Kessie is a beast physically but his footballing IQ is just non existent. I though that he could at least learn to do the simple things better by now, but he's still messing that up even now after 2 full seasons. So if we can somehow move him on and get a high reward for him then we should jump at the chance


Dumping Kessie would be a blessing, especially since we can sell him for around 25-30 million.

The hottest names we're being linked with right now: Kabak, Theo Hernandez, Torreria, Veretout, Cebellos, Kramaric.

I also read that Rodriguez is for sale, and that Giampaolo wants to relaunch Andre Silva.

QUOTE (Danny @ Jun 24 2019, 09:37 PM) *
In case anyone cares, San Siro being demolished.


That's going to be a hot topic.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 25 2019, 07:15 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jun 24 2019, 09:54 PM) *
Dumping Kessie would be a blessing, especially since we can sell him for around 25-30 million.

The hottest names we're being linked with right now: Kabak, Theo Hernandez, Torreria, Veretout, Cebellos, Kramaric.

I also read that Rodriguez is for sale, and that Giampaolo wants to relaunch Andre Silva.



That's going to be a hot topic.

Do you know anything about Kramaric?

Is he decent? Last I read he did his medical last week but nothing has been made official as of yet

Posted by: han2503 Jun 25 2019, 07:16 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Jun 24 2019, 09:37 PM) *
In case anyone cares, San Siro being demolished.

I don't think San Siro will be demolished. As Scaroni said, the stadium is still the property of the municipality... So I don't know if they'll just demolish it tbh

What he did confirm is that a new stadium will be built and we're still going to be sharing it with Inter

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 26 2019, 09:37 AM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jun 25 2019, 07:15 PM) *
Do you know anything about Kramaric?

Is he decent? Last I read he did his medical last week but nothing has been made official as of yet


I think you're talking about Krunic there.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jun 26 2019, 10:28 PM

PSG offering Areola + 20M for Donna (https://www.calciomercato.com/news/clamoroso-donnarumma-verso-il-psg-al-milan-soldi-e-areola-29956)

Was hoping for more, and I hate losing someone like Donna. That said, we risk losing him in two years anyway (I do not trust Raiola), I was impressed by Plizzari during the U17 WC, and we can use the plusvalenza to help us get closer to FFP compliance. Areola is valued 30M in the deal, would prefer to sell Donna for straight cash.

Let's see if the rumor is true, and (if so) it would be interesting to see how Milan reacts (reject or counteroffer).

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jun 26 2019, 10:43 PM

On other news ...

Looks like Ozan Kabak (who was linked with Milan) is headed for Bayern. Apparently he was promised regular playing time, but given who Bayern already has in their back line, I do not see how that would happen. (https://www.football-italia.net/139962/kabak-prefers-bayern-milan)

Lucas Torreira apparently is happy with Arsenal, so a move to Milan is not likely (https://www.football-italia.net/139956/torreira-milan-didnt-call-me). EDIT: previous news had Torreira pushing for a transfer to Milan (https://www.calciomercato.com/news/torreira-ha-scelto-vuole-solo-il-milan-le-cifre-della-prima-offe-78934), and recent news says a deal may still be possible.

Looks like Theo Hernandez is still a possibility

Apparently Montella wants Biglia

We have been linked with DDR

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 27 2019, 09:11 AM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jun 26 2019, 10:43 PM) *
On other news ...

Looks like Ozan Kabak (who was linked with Milan) is headed for Bayern. Apparently he was promised regular playing time, but given who Bayern already has in their back line, I do not see how that would happen. (https://www.football-italia.net/139962/kabak-prefers-bayern-milan)

Lucas Torreira apparently is happy with Arsenal, so a move to Milan is not likely (https://www.football-italia.net/139956/torreira-milan-didnt-call-me). EDIT: previous news had Torreira pushing for a transfer to Milan (https://www.calciomercato.com/news/torreira-ha-scelto-vuole-solo-il-milan-le-cifre-della-prima-offe-78934), and recent news says a deal may still be possible.

Looks like Theo Hernandez is still a possibility

Apparently Montella wants Biglia

We have been linked with DDR


Bayern will sell Boateng from what I read.

And what Torreira said is just a diplomatic answer. The problem is satisfying Arsenal's requests. We need to sell Kessie and use that money for Torreira, otherwise I cannot see how we can sign him.

Anyway, the news of the morning is that PSG have offered 20M + Areola (valued 30M)) for Donnarumma. Obviously we'd have to dumbasses to accept any offer inferior to 60M, and with no counterparties.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jun 28 2019, 05:06 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jun 26 2019, 11:43 PM) *
Looks like Theo Hernandez is still a possibility

Looks like a done deal, 20M (2M loan with an obligation to buy for 18M), 5 year contract.

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jun 26 2019, 11:43 PM) *
We have been linked with DDR

DDR closer to Fiorentina or may just retire after all.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jun 28 2019, 05:08 PM

And we are officially out of EL (https://www.calciomercato.com/news/ufficiale-milan-escluso-dall-europa-league-39895). This was supposed to be part of an agreement that buys us some time to meet FFP targets, but only the exclusion has been announced.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jun 28 2019, 05:10 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jun 26 2019, 11:28 PM) *
PSG offering Areola + 20M for Donna (https://www.calciomercato.com/news/clamoroso-donnarumma-verso-il-psg-al-milan-soldi-e-areola-29956)

Was hoping for more, and I hate losing someone like Donna. That said, we risk losing him in two years anyway (I do not trust Raiola), I was impressed by Plizzari during the U17 WC, and we can use the plusvalenza to help us get closer to FFP compliance. Areola is valued 30M in the deal, would prefer to sell Donna for straight cash.

Let's see if the rumor is true, and (if so) it would be interesting to see how Milan reacts (reject or counteroffer).

Apparently we have rejected the offer (we want more money and no Areola). PSG is likely to come back with a new offer.

Posted by: Danny Jun 28 2019, 09:00 PM

The fact Milan have been barred from UEL (would have been UCL had we made it) barely makes a ripple now.

Same way Chelsea's transfer ban wasn't really considered relevant by anyone.

In three days we're building a new stadium, possibly demolishing San Siro and we're barred from Europe and literally no one cares.

Oh how we've fallen sad.gif

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jun 29 2019, 06:33 AM

QUOTE (Danny @ Jun 28 2019, 10:00 PM) *
The fact Milan have been barred from UEL (would have been UCL had we made it) barely makes a ripple now.

Same way Chelsea's transfer ban wasn't really considered relevant by anyone.

In three days we're building a new stadium, possibly demolishing San Siro and we're barred from Europe and literally no one cares.

Oh how we've fallen sad.gif

There was talk about being banned from EL, and it was positioned as some sort of agreement that would benefit us. I had some misgivings, but tried to look at it in a positive light ... until the official communication from UEFA, which I found rather depressing.

Stadium ... unclear what the plan is. The mayor of Milan went on record sayong it will not happen, but some commentators claim it is just posturing, and plans are moving ahead. Who knows ...

Mercato ... as confusing as ever.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Jun 29 2019, 09:04 AM

QUOTE (Danny @ Jun 29 2019, 12:00 AM) *
The fact Milan have been barred from UEL (would have been UCL had we made it) barely makes a ripple now.

Same way Chelsea's transfer ban wasn't really considered relevant by anyone.

In three days we're building a new stadium, possibly demolishing San Siro and we're barred from Europe and literally no one cares.

Oh how we've fallen sad.gif


As I understand it Milan we're scrutinised for breaching FFP in the seasons 2015-17 and 2016-18. And the only way to Waive it off is to accept punishment of being barred from UEFA competitions for one season.

Facts are stubborn things, and as things stand Milan had accumulated losses during those periods which were not reversable. So taking that into consideration, Milan starts on a clean slate.

I think there is some good here.


Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 29 2019, 01:42 PM

So now we can spend freely (if we have the money) and if we qualify for UCL next season there wouldn't be any issues for 2 years now right?

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jun 29 2019, 02:08 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Jun 29 2019, 02:42 PM) *
So now we can spend freely (if we have the money) and if we qualify for UCL next season there wouldn't be any issues for 2 years now right?

We still have to operate within FFP parameters, which means we need to break even (or close to) in 3 years. So, I don't think we can spend freely.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Jun 29 2019, 02:10 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Jun 29 2019, 04:42 PM) *
So now we can spend freely (if we have the money) and if we qualify for UCL next season there wouldn't be any issues for 2 years now right?


No we can't spend freely, it has to be calculated. If Milan gets into UEFA competitions next year then FFP will be an issue again, just that aggregate losses from season 15-17 and 16-18 won't be haunting the club again as the club took its punishment.

At least that's how I understand it.

If the club spends freely now, next year the club faces the same issue all over again.

Posted by: TriniKing_CE Jun 29 2019, 04:48 PM

Seems to be a bit of confusion over the EL pull out.

Here's an article I just came across which tries to analyze it a bit.

https://milantalk.com/2019/06/29/five-reasons-why-ac-milan-withdrawing-from-europa-league-is-good-news/

Posted by: han2503 Jun 29 2019, 05:10 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jun 26 2019, 09:37 AM) *
I think you're talking about Krunic there.

Well that shows my clear lack of knowledge on that... sleep.gif

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jun 28 2019, 05:08 PM) *
And we are officially out of EL (https://www.calciomercato.com/news/ufficiale-milan-escluso-dall-europa-league-39895). This was supposed to be part of an agreement that buys us some time to meet FFP targets, but only the exclusion has been announced.

We basically excluded ourselves to give the new management time to fix the mess that our finances are thanks to B & G and the Chinese

QUOTE (Danny @ Jun 28 2019, 09:00 PM) *
The fact Milan have been barred from UEL (would have been UCL had we made it) barely makes a ripple now.

Same way Chelsea's transfer ban wasn't really considered relevant by anyone.

In three days we're building a new stadium, possibly demolishing San Siro and we're barred from Europe and literally no one cares.

Oh how we've fallen sad.gif

I think everyone was sort of expecting it as the rumours about us being in talks with UEFA to pull out have been going around since the end of the season

And honestly, if this allows us to get things in order while also having a bit more lee-way this summer to operate on the market, I'm all for it.

The EL is a waste of time anyway

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Jun 29 2019, 02:10 PM) *
No we can't spend freely, it has to be calculated. If Milan gets into UEFA competitions next year then FFP will be an issue again, just that aggregate losses from season 15-17 and 16-18 won't be haunting the club again as the club took its punishment.

At least that's how I understand it.

If the club spends freely now, next year the club faces the same issue all over again.

But I read that this will give us a lot more breathing room on the transfer market this summer...

I understand that we won't be breaking the bank, but from what I understand this will definitely give us room to flex much more than we would have been had we stayed in

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Jun 29 2019, 07:20 PM

Whatever it is, the new owners chose this punishment to have a clean slate. Going forward the losses that Milan had on its books is erased and it will be the management and new owners responsibility to adhere to FFP going forward.

The mercato is approaching and by end of August you will know to what extend they could spend.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 29 2019, 07:36 PM

When is the window closing? Is it start of serie A or end of August?

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 1 2019, 10:14 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Jun 29 2019, 07:36 PM) *
When is the window closing? Is it start of serie A or end of August?


Should be start of Serie A.

Theo Hernandez a done deal. Rodriguez should move out, last I read to Barcelona for 15M.

Being linked with Perin as Donnarumma will probably be sold if PSG make a 50M, cash-only offer.

Ceballos seems close but Madrid want a repurchase clause, just like with Morata.

Lovren is the main objective in defense.


Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 1 2019, 10:30 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 1 2019, 11:14 PM) *
Lovren is the main objective in defense.

Not too thrilled about this. Not overly impressed by the player, and it does not fit the profile of what we should be looking for. Feels more like a Galliani move.

Posted by: Danny Jul 2 2019, 03:25 PM

Dejan Lovren?! Are you guys serious?

Ricardo Rodriguez to Barca?!

Have I slipped into a parallel universe?

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Jul 2 2019, 03:35 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Jul 2 2019, 06:25 PM) *
Dejan Lovren?! Are you guys serious?

Ricardo Rodriguez to Barca?!

Have I slipped into a parallel universe?


Is Maldini the new Galliani?

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 2 2019, 08:44 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jul 1 2019, 10:30 PM) *
Not too thrilled about this. Not overly impressed by the player, and it does not fit the profile of what we should be looking for. Feels more like a Galliani move.


Wasn't Lovren one of the best CBs in Europe only a couple of years ago?

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 2 2019, 10:23 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 2 2019, 09:44 PM) *
Wasn't Lovren one of the best CBs in Europe only a couple of years ago?

Injury prone, I believe he was benched at Liverpool. Probably high salary and low resale value. Galliani all' over again.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 2 2019, 11:51 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jul 2 2019, 10:23 PM) *
Injury prone, I believe he was benched at Liverpool. Probably high salary and low resale value. Galliani all' over again.


I think you're jumping the gun there. I'd take Lovren on the spot.

Posted by: Danny Jul 4 2019, 02:10 AM

Ignore my post - I was confusing Lovren with Glen Loovens. Ignore me. Couldn't tell you much about Lovren tbh.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jul 4 2019, 11:38 AM

apparently Lovren is too expensive for us.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 4 2019, 11:54 AM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Jul 4 2019, 12:38 PM) *
apparently Lovren is too expensive for us.

Indeed. Looks like he is getting paid 5.2M GBP by Liverpool, so we would be paying something similar. It would be right back to the mistakes made by Galliani, for a player that is coming off a disappointing season.

EDIT: looks like we are after Nastasic instead (https://acmilan.theoffside.com/2019/7/4/20681964/rossoneri-round-up-for-4-july-ac-milan-reportedly-interested-in-schalke-04-defender-nastasic). Not overly impressed.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 4 2019, 12:01 PM

Other news:
- We signed Jungdal (https://www.calciomercato.com/news/milan-preso-jungdal-visite-mediche-56420)
- Looks like we are discussing Bennacer with Empoli (https://www.calciomercato.com/news/empoli-a-casa-milan-idea-bennacer-51931)
- New stadium discussions continue (https://www.calciomercato.com/news/inter-milan-incontro-col-sindaco-sala-c-e-il-progetto-per-il-nuo-31237)

Posted by: han2503 Jul 4 2019, 07:11 PM

Anyone know anything about Bennacer? Seems like we're very close to signing him

With all the departures from the midfield, we're going to need at least 2-3 new players in there

Let's not forget we lost the lynch pin of our midfield in Bakayoko and it seems like we're shopping Biglia around as well, so there' a lot of work to be done for the mid, not to mention that we need to look into a second striker that can compliment Piantek

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 4 2019, 07:41 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 4 2019, 08:11 PM) *
Anyone know anything about Bennacer? Seems like we're very close to signing him

With all the departures from the midfield, we're going to need at least 2-3 new players in there

What I heard is Bennacer would fit as a regista Most opinions seem to be relatively positive, but there are questions on his ability to defend.

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 4 2019, 08:11 PM) *
[...] not to mention that we need to look into a second striker that can compliment Piantek

I do not see us linked with any SS. I see talks of using Silva or Suso in that role. Cutrone does not sound like a good fit as SS. https://milantalk.com/2019/07/04/why-ac-milans-forgotten-man-should-get-second-chance-under-giampaolo/, BTW.

Posted by: Danny Jul 5 2019, 10:30 PM

Aw God, just when I thought it couldn't get worse, Andre f*cking Silva comes back.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 6 2019, 07:08 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jul 4 2019, 07:41 PM) *
What I heard is Bennacer would fit as a regista Most opinions seem to be relatively positive, but there are questions on his ability to defend.


I do not see us linked with any SS. I see talks of using Silva or Suso in that role. Cutrone does not sound like a good fit as SS. https://milantalk.com/2019/07/04/why-ac-milans-forgotten-man-should-get-second-chance-under-giampaolo/, BTW.

Now that I've read up on him and seen some vids, he seems like he's very similar to Barella for example, I even saw a stat chart thing where their numbers are virtually identical.

We'll see, I still think we need to at least make one top signing for the midfield. We've lost a lot of players in there, and even though most of them were useless to us last season and didn't play, the lack of players in there who the coach could trust when we were hit by a lot of injuries hurt us a lot.

So signing players from Empoli and Fiorentina to replace the like of Bertolacci and Monto is well and good, but what are we going to do to replace the loss of Bakayoko? And not to mention addressing the lack of creativity and vision in that middle of the pitch? Paqueta is our only really forward thinking mid, and for me he's more of a crafty player rather than a purely creative one. And we need both types. Especially in a 4-3-1-2

I hope we won't be relying on either one of those in a 2 striker system that's for sure

QUOTE (Danny @ Jul 5 2019, 10:30 PM) *
Aw God, just when I thought it couldn't get worse, Andre f*cking Silva comes back.

Nah. I think we'll sell him as soon as we get a decent offer.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Jul 6 2019, 08:42 PM

Is Kessie still at Milan? If yes, will he be sold?

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 7 2019, 10:33 AM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Jul 6 2019, 09:42 PM) *
Is Kessie still at Milan? If yes, will he be sold?

He is still with Milan. Unclear right now if he will be sold.

Posted by: Danny Jul 7 2019, 12:30 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jul 7 2019, 10:33 AM) *
He is still with Milan. Unclear right now if he will be sold.


How can he be sold. He's not our player.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jul 7 2019, 04:04 PM

So apprently donna has told milan that he wants to stay and might take a pay cut as well

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 7 2019, 04:23 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Jul 7 2019, 01:30 PM) *
How can he be sold. He's not our player.

Kessie? He is our player.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 7 2019, 05:47 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Jul 6 2019, 08:42 PM) *
Is Kessie still at Milan? If yes, will he be sold?

Yes, and last I read that is the intention. I don't see how we'll get what we want for him though...

Man, I don't understand how Juve and Inter make big money for their fringe players and we can't even sell our starters for decent sums

QUOTE (Danny @ Jul 7 2019, 12:30 PM) *
How can he be sold. He's not our player.

Yes he is. His 2 year loan is up and we were obligated to buy him outright at the end of it. So yes, he's ours.

Now it's mostly a matter of if we can make back the 30m or so we spent on him and get something extra in return. If something along those lines is offered. He's gone

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 8 2019, 02:16 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 7 2019, 06:47 PM) *
Yes, and last I read that is the intention. I don't see how we'll get what we want for him though...

Man, I don't understand how Juve and Inter make big money for their fringe players and we can't even sell our starters for decent sums


Yes he is. His 2 year loan is up and we were obligated to buy him outright at the end of it. So yes, he's ours.

Now it's mostly a matter of if we can make back the 30m or so we spent on him and get something extra in return. If something along those lines is offered. He's gone

I think there is some interest from a couple of EPL teams. The question is how will he fit in Giampaolo's midfield. Giampaolo seems to favor more technical players, but ...

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 8 2019, 02:18 PM

Linked with Capanni. Apparently he would get some time with the Serie A team. Thoughts?

Posted by: han2503 Jul 8 2019, 08:07 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jul 8 2019, 02:18 PM) *
Linked with Capanni. Apparently he would get some time with the Serie A team. Thoughts?

No idea who he is or what type of player he is.

Krunic made official today btw. Good rotation player imo

Posted by: Danny Jul 9 2019, 12:27 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jul 7 2019, 04:23 PM) *
Kessie? He is our player.


Ah yes, I forgot it was one of these bizarre Serie A only loans with absolute f*ckin' obligation to buy at the end of it.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 9 2019, 12:43 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 8 2019, 08:07 PM) *
Krunic made official today btw. Good rotation player imo


Depends who we buy and sell this summer. Wouldn't be surprised if he was a starter for us, maybe replacing Kessie.

So, thus far we have signed Theo Hernandez and Krunic. And all of our previously mentioned objectives seem out of reach.

Help?

Posted by: TriniKing_CE Jul 9 2019, 05:21 PM

It's still early in the transfer season.

Two decent acquisitions thus far... One in the form of a LB which needed much attention.

So I'm hopeful moving forward... Just trying to remain clam & patient.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 10 2019, 01:48 PM

Empoli's president said we'll sign Bennacer from them in the next two days.

Great, so now we're becoming the new Empoli.

Posted by: William405 Jul 10 2019, 03:13 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 10 2019, 03:48 PM) *
Empoli's president said we'll sign Bennacer from them in the next two days.

Great, so now we're becoming the new Empoli.


I have this feeling too, no?

I'm quite interested in the return of Andre Silva. I think he could do well! I have no idea however if he can function with Piatek there.

Let's see what happens. :/

But, for sure, no big signings..it seems. Paqueta will be a major player for us, I feel. If he manages to shine..that would makes us so much more dynamic.

Posted by: Danny Jul 10 2019, 03:58 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 10 2019, 01:48 PM) *
Empoli's president said we'll sign Bennacer from them in the next two days.

Great, so now we're becoming the new Empoli.


No expectations, no disappointment.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jul 11 2019, 06:53 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 10 2019, 02:48 PM) *
Empoli's president said we'll sign Bennacer from them in the next two days.

Great, so now we're becoming the new Empoli.

that also for over 16-17 million. When we want to get rid our dead wood then most of the cases its loan and we make zero money.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 11 2019, 02:41 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 9 2019, 12:43 PM) *
Depends who we buy and sell this summer. Wouldn't be surprised if he was a starter for us, maybe replacing Kessie.

So, thus far we have signed Theo Hernandez and Krunic. And all of our previously mentioned objectives seem out of reach.

Help?

I don't think so, we lost a lot of players, and we're trying to sell Biglia as well. Our midfield is thread bare. Empoli's midfield last season looked very good accordion to what I read, it was the attack that really let them down and pushed them down to Serie B. Still I don't think Krunic is meant to be a starter. Maybe he'll be a revelation who knows, but I don't think that's the current plan.


It's still early, Giampoalo has only had a couple of days to assess the players, and going by what was said in the presser, he'll evaluate in training and management will base their decisions on who comes and goes on Giampaolo's request after he's had time with the players

Posted by: TriniKing_CE Jul 12 2019, 02:13 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 10 2019, 09:48 AM) *
Empoli's president said we'll sign Bennacer from them in the next two days.

Great, so now we're becoming the new Empoli.

laugh.gif laugh.gif laugh.gif

Question: Have u guys seen Bennacer play?

Or are your concerns based mainly on the fact that he's coming from a relegated side, so you question his quality and ability to improve our side?

EDIT: I didn't watch Empoli's games, but from what little I have seen (game highlights and YouTube mainly), and when he played against us, he has talent; seems like Pacqueta esque style player. Ball control, composure (& flair). Granted that we've lacked these types of players for a while, and while Pacqueta has added an essential bit thus far, I'm a little concerned about the pairings all together at once. I don't want it to be an exhibition match...

But pessimism aside, if we get them to knock th ball, and build chemistry, we can be onto something really nice.

Posted by: Danny Jul 14 2019, 01:33 PM

A little word for Miha who has been diagnosed with cancer, effectively. Not the worst manager we ever had, and football is in a lot of context when you're fighting for your life.

Best wishes sir.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 19 2019, 03:05 PM

Krunic on Bennacer: "He's really, really good. I used to ask myself, how is it possible he plays for a team like Empoli"

And I've honestly been very impressed from his videos on YouTube. Here's to hoping we made a good signing.

Posted by: Danny Jul 19 2019, 03:47 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Jul 14 2019, 01:33 PM) *
A little word for Miha who has been diagnosed with cancer, effectively. Not the worst manager we ever had, and football is in a lot of context when you're fighting for your life.

Best wishes sir.


Classy response to this, guys. Is this really the heartless filth this planet has become?

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 20 2019, 10:47 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 10 2019, 02:48 PM) *
Empoli's president said we'll sign Bennacer from them in the next two days.

Great, so now we're becoming the new Empoli.

Worth noting how this "worthless Empoli player" was top player in the Africa cup (https://m.calciomercato.com/news/bennacer-rivelazione-in-coppa-d-africa-fara-la-fortuna-di-giampa-41080). Just saying ...

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 20 2019, 10:47 AM

QUOTE (Danny @ Jul 14 2019, 02:33 PM) *
A little word for Miha who has been diagnosed with cancer, effectively. Not the worst manager we ever had, and football is in a lot of context when you're fighting for your life.

Best wishes sir.

Adding my best wishes

Posted by: han2503 Jul 21 2019, 07:50 AM

Yes, such sad news re Miha. Wishing him a full recovery.

What are your thoughts about this Correa story (The A. Madrid one not Lazio)?

I mean he's a good player, but not 50m good... Hopefully it's just paper talk and not much else, we can do so much better with that kind of money imo

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 21 2019, 09:15 AM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 21 2019, 08:50 AM) *
What are your thoughts about this Correa story (The A. Madrid one not Lazio)?

I mean he's a good player, but not 50m good... Hopefully it's just paper talk and not much else, we can do so much better with that kind of money imo

I suspect this may be fake news (so far all signings have been under the radar). In any case 50M is the ask, I read somewhere Milan is willing to pay 35M and no more. The Veratout saga seems to indicate M&B will not go over what they believe the player is worth (a refreshing change from the M&F days).

Edit: opinion on Correa varies from worthless (hardly scored any goals at Atletico) to great potential as SS. But 30-35M is the most he is worth.

A few more items floating in the media and on fan sites:
- linked with Modric, and Modric does appear to be leaving RM (Hazard just took his number). I think this is a real long shot, but ...
- the search for a central defender continues (may end up paying lots of money to Juve)
- possible sale of Suso to Roma, but Roma wants a swap and we are not interested in the players they are offering
- possible sale of Cutrone to EPL
- Merda appears to be in meltdown mode already


FWIW, if we are really selling Suso, Giampaolo's comments shows how you approach this (as opposed to Conte slamming half of his team, and Zidane slamming Bale). The moment you tell the world you are not interested in a player, the value takes a nose dive.

Not 100% happy if Cutrone leaves, but he needs regular playing time or will not develop. If we keep him on the team as a sub he will lose value.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 21 2019, 09:57 AM

Non Evoluto says Correa news is being spread by Mendez
(https://m.facebook.com/nonevoluto/#!/nonevoluto/photos/a.1522427638009115/2344254135826457/?type=3&source=48&__tn__=EH-R)

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 21 2019, 09:57 AM

(duplicate post)

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 21 2019, 04:33 PM

Andre Silva to Monaco for 30M seems like a done deal. The player has already left Milanello. Excellent news.

As for Correa, seems like we have a deal with the player. Now to reach an agreement with Atletico, who ask 50M but we're not willing to spend more than 40M.

No idea how good this guy is. Never heard of him before. From the clips on YouTube he seems promising, but obviously there's more to it than that.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 21 2019, 04:36 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Jul 19 2019, 03:47 PM) *
Classy response to this, guys. Is this really the heartless filth this planet has become?


Jeez, talk about overreacting.

Felt very sorry when I read the news, hopefully he can overcome it.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 21 2019, 07:35 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jul 21 2019, 09:15 AM) *
I suspect this may be fake news (so far all signings have been under the radar). In any case 50M is the ask, I read somewhere Milan is willing to pay 35M and no more. The Veratout saga seems to indicate M&B will not go over what they believe the player is worth (a refreshing change from the M&F days).

Edit: opinion on Correa varies from worthless (hardly scored any goals at Atletico) to great potential as SS. But 30-35M is the most he is worth.

A few more items floating in the media and on fan sites:
- linked with Modric, and Modric does appear to be leaving RM (Hazard just took his number). I think this is a real long shot, but ...
- the search for a central defender continues (may end up paying lots of money to Juve)
- possible sale of Suso to Roma, but Roma wants a swap and we are not interested in the players they are offering
- possible sale of Cutrone to EPL
- Merda appears to be in meltdown mode already


FWIW, if we are really selling Suso, Giampaolo's comments shows how you approach this (as opposed to Conte slamming half of his team, and Zidane slamming Bale). The moment you tell the world you are not interested in a player, the value takes a nose dive.

Not 100% happy if Cutrone leaves, but he needs regular playing time or will not develop. If we keep him on the team as a sub he will lose value.

Agreed re Correa's price. We could get Everton from Gremio for that kind of money and he looks like a complete gem to me

I think the Modric stuff is BS. Why would he come to Milan and does he really have 3 to 4 years of top level football left in him tha would justufy this from our end? I don't think so tbh.

Re Suso, it seems like we asked for Zaniolo or they pay the buyout. Good move. Either one is great for us imo, I don't think Suso is worth that or Zaniolo

Looks like both Cutrone and Silva are on their way out, so not only will we need to practically replace an entire midfield unit, we'll also have to replace nearly the entire attacking line if all these things happen. Just seems strange that we would change so much and with a relatively small budget to operate within as well

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jul 21 2019, 09:57 AM) *
Non Evoluto says Correa news is being spread by Mendez
(https://m.facebook.com/nonevoluto/#!/nonevoluto/photos/a.1522427638009115/2344254135826457/?type=3&source=48&__tn__=EH-R)

Hmm... Don't know, Di Marzio and Manu Baio are the ones reporting this, they're usually pretty on the money

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 21 2019, 04:33 PM) *
Andre Silva to Monaco for 30M seems like a done deal. The player has already left Milanello. Excellent news.

As for Correa, seems like we have a deal with the player. Now to reach an agreement with Atletico, who ask 50M but we're not willing to spend more than 40M.

No idea how good this guy is. Never heard of him before. From the clips on YouTube he seems promising, but obviously there's more to it than that.

Great business if we can get get that kind of money for Silva after the last 2 mediocre years. At least we only lost 8m or so on him.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 21 2019, 11:23 PM

Actually we made a gain of 9M because his contract right now is worth 21 million.

Posted by: Danny Jul 22 2019, 01:44 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 21 2019, 04:36 PM) *
Jeez, talk about overreacting.


In a Trump and Brexit-dominated world world of hate, if anything my response was an underreaction!

QUOTE
Felt very sorry when I read the news, hopefully he can overcome it.


Hear hear.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 22 2019, 03:55 PM

Because I didn't write in a forum that I'm sorry for Miha, according to you, it's a sign that this planet has become a heartless filth? Come on...

Posted by: Danny Jul 22 2019, 08:45 PM

Bit defensive there old boy. It wasn't aimed at you? But that said this planet is one bitter place now.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jul 23 2019, 03:46 AM

Angel Correa to milan is now everywhere. It was 50 m first now 40 m plus bonuses. Not sure if it would be worth it

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 23 2019, 11:45 AM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Jul 23 2019, 03:46 AM) *
Angel Correa to milan is now everywhere. It was 50 m first now 40 m plus bonuses. Not sure if it would be worth it


Have my doubts about him. Is he really worth that much?

Posted by: Danny Jul 23 2019, 12:38 PM

Cutrone to some PL side for £23M. One of the few players at San Siro I actually like and now he's being shipped out.

Great.

Posted by: Danny Jul 23 2019, 12:41 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 23 2019, 11:45 AM) *
Have my doubts about him. Is he really worth that much?


Good player. 5 goals/assists last season in La Liga in 34 appearances, whether he's worth that money doesn't matter - fees aren't relative to ability any more.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 23 2019, 07:31 PM

I read that Simeone used him as a right midfielder in a 4-4-2. So that could be part of the reason for those stats

What I like about him is that he's a pure SS with great speed and dribbling in tight spaces. He's the kind of player we lack in attack.

The 40m+ price tag makes me apprehensive, especially when we've been told that we don't have the ability to just splash cash around due to FFP. And then to just drop that kind of money on a striker... When the midfield is the more concerning area is a bit worrying. Let's see what happens.

I still think we need another CB and 2 more mids, especially if Suso/Hakan/Biglia and Cutrone are sold

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 23 2019, 07:39 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Jul 23 2019, 12:38 PM) *
Cutrone to some PL side for £23M. One of the few players at San Siro I actually like and now he's being shipped out.

Great.


Personally, I think he's subpar and wouldn't mind him leaving. But the problem is that then we'd remain without a substitute striker on the bench.

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 23 2019, 07:31 PM) *
I read that Simeone used him as a right midfielder in a 4-4-2. So that could be part of the reason for those stats

What I like about him is that he's a pure SS with great speed and dribbling in tight spaces. He's the kind of player we lack in attack.

The 40m+ price tag makes me apprehensive, especially when we've been told that we don't have the ability to just splash cash around due to FFP. And then to just drop that kind of money on a striker... When the midfield is the more concerning area is a bit worrying. Let's see what happens.

I still think we need another CB and 2 more mids, especially if Suso/Hakan/Biglia and Cutrone are sold


I read that we won't sign anyone else in midfield. When you think about it, with Bennacer, Hakan and Paqueta, we've got 3/4 of positions covered. The last spot depends whether we'll sell Kessie and sign a replacement or if we're just going to play Krunic as a starter.

Anyhow, I think our next target will be a CB to pair with Romagonli, and that's it, we're done.

Posted by: Danny Jul 23 2019, 10:31 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 23 2019, 07:39 PM) *
Personally, I think he's subpar and wouldn't mind him leaving. But the problem is that then we'd remain without a substitute striker on the bench.


I think he's the best striker we've had in years, aside Piatek.

8 in 14 in the UEL (and 2 assists) is a pretty impressive record.

I'm not saying he's Sheva, but I think he's way better than many give him credit for.

Incidentally it's Wolves after him.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jul 24 2019, 05:24 AM

silva move collasped.... ffs

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 24 2019, 12:01 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Jul 23 2019, 10:31 PM) *
I think he's the best striker we've had in years, aside Piatek.

8 in 14 in the UEL (and 2 assists) is a pretty impressive record.

I'm not saying he's Sheva, but I think he's way better than many give him credit for.

Incidentally it's Wolves after him.


Against very mediocre opponents, though. His overall stats are not terrible (27 goals in 90 appearances overall), but as a player I think he's very limited. Reminds me of a less impressive Inzaghi, but in today's football one-dimensional players like Pippo or Gattuso have no place anymore.

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Jul 24 2019, 05:24 AM) *
silva move collasped.... ffs


Yeah, I read. Just our luck. -__-

Posted by: Danny Jul 24 2019, 01:27 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 24 2019, 12:01 PM) *
Against very mediocre opponents, though. His overall stats are not terrible (27 goals in 90 appearances overall), but as a player I think he's very limited. Reminds me of a less impressive Inzaghi, but in today's football one-dimensional players like Pippo or Gattuso have no place anymore.


Those stats are mostly as a bench player. Which makes him even better. The UEL stats are mostly as a starter.

And you say that but pretty sure Piatek is exactly that kind of player. Higuain too.

Posted by: Danny Jul 24 2019, 01:28 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Jul 24 2019, 05:24 AM) *
silva move collasped.... ffs


Had no idea that was even on. I'm so out of the loop these days.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 24 2019, 01:45 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Jul 24 2019, 01:27 PM) *
Those stats are mostly as a bench player. Which makes him even better. The UEL stats are mostly as a starter.

And you say that but pretty sure Piatek is exactly that kind of player. Higuain too.


Yes, Piatek is similar (although better). In fact, I'm not that crazy about him either. Higuain is a completely different story.

Posted by: Danny Jul 24 2019, 04:00 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 24 2019, 01:45 PM) *
Yes, Piatek is similar (although better). In fact, I'm not that crazy about him either. Higuain is a completely different story.


I suspect old-school style players aren't your thing mate!

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 24 2019, 07:45 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Jul 24 2019, 04:00 PM) *
I suspect old-school style players aren't your thing mate!


They’re just not as useful anymore.

Posted by: Danny Jul 24 2019, 11:02 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 24 2019, 07:45 PM) *
They’re just not as useful anymore.


I dunno. Isn't Sergio Aguero still kinda handy?

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 25 2019, 03:56 AM

Still keep hearing rumors that we are after Modric. We now also being linke to James. Both feel unlikely. Both are towards the later stages of their careers, which seems opposite to what our new transfer philosophy is supposed to be. OTOH, they would add quality to the team for a few years (well, Modric for sure, not as convince about James). Will see ..

Somewhat bummed about the Silva deal falling through. As for Cutrone, I do not believe he is that good. It feels like he has reached his potential. More important, he seems to be rather "limited" (where Giampaolo's system seems to favor players with more "flexibility"). Also, we already have a player with his characteristics. finally, if he stays he will be relegated to the role of "Piatek understudy", which will limit his ability to "grow" (assuming he can). Bottom line, both Silva and Cutrone can leave, AFAIAC.

The Suso saga also continues, as does the Correa drama.

Finally, I hear Gabbia did well in the Bayern game. In your opinion, s he a legit option for the first team?




Posted by: Danny Jul 25 2019, 11:18 AM

Cutrone to Wolves - fee agreed.

Doesn't that leave us basically with one major striker and that's it?

As for Gabbia, putting that weight on a 19 year old is difficult. We fluked it with Donnarumma at 16, but no one expected anything of him.

This is an even worse Milan than that one was.

PS some match ratings for the Bayern match if anyone's interested:

QUOTE
Gianluigi Donnarumma: It was good to see Gigio in a Milan shirt amidst all the transfer rumours of his possible exit. Not much for him to do in terms of saves but he did get a lot of time on the ball. Gigio looked fairly comfortable but he still needs to develop his passing skills. 6/10

Davide Calabria: Calabria was tested this match on the right side as he was marking both Kingsley Coman and Canadian Alphonso Davies. Calabria stood his ground and even made a few runs offensively to create chances for Milan. 7/10

Matteo Gabbia: After impressing at the U-21 Euros Gabbia got to showcase his defensive skill. Gabbia did exactly that as he showed the potential Milan fans what they’ve been waiting on. Of course Gabbia isn't ready for the first team but if he continues to develop he could challenge for a spot in the starting eleven. 7/10

Ivan Strinic: Well as our manager Pete Schlenker would say Strinic is not a centre back, pass it on. This was a cobbled together defence for Milan and it showed at times with Strinic being the most out of place. Strinic should not be expected to get a lot of minutes at centre back this season. 5.5/10

Theo Hernandez: Just as it seemed that Milan finally struck gold with a pacey fullback who loves going forward, he goes down with an ankle injury. At the time of writing the severity of the injury isn't know but we can only hope that he is ok for the start of the season. 8/10

Fabio Borini: Similar to Strinic Borini was played out of position and it showed. He is simply not a central midfielder, yes he works hard but he doesn't have the touch or technique to play at that position. 5.5/10

Lucas Biglia: Old man Biglia had a fairly decent performance in the new system. He looked comfortable on the ball and was in good defensive position. Biglia will surely be a great backup once the Bennacer signing is completed. 6.5/10

Hakan Calhanoglu: Well Hakan is finally playing in a position that is comfortable for him and well Hakan still isn't impressing. His touch on the ball halted some Milan attacks and he continues to insist on taking long shots. His corners leave much to be desired and he went after Coman in a friendly. Hakan might need to make his way out the door. 5.5/10

Daniel Maldini: Once again a Maldini is in the first team for Milan. Maldini got his first chance with the first team playing attacking midfield. He showed promise at points but it's clear that he isn't quite ready. With more playing time in the primavera he could be a good player for Milan. 5.5/10

Samu Castillejo: With a switch to a formation with no natural wingers Castillejo now has to show his versatility. Well in this match he didn't entirely do that. His pace should allow him to get in behind the defence and create separation but his small build allows him to be taken off the ball easily. 5.5/10

rzysztof Piatek: Piatek looked at tad reserved in this match. It didn't seem there was the fire in him which is perfectly understandable because it is the preseason. That cross from Calabria surely would have been put in the net if it was the Serie A season. 6/10
SUBSTITUTES

Andrea Conti: Coming on for the injured Theo Hernandez Conti played in an unnatural position at left back. He came in and was serviceable, he showed he can go forward and didn't make too many mistakes defensively. 6/10

Patrick Cutrone: Another game where our wonder boy doesn't show his promise. His first touch looked poor and after every missed opportunity his body language just looked awful. Not to mention that he missed a golden opportunity on goal. Right now Cutrone isn't looking good. 5/10


Tad unfair on Cutrone given he's about to leave and his mind isn't exactly focused!

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 25 2019, 04:04 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Jul 24 2019, 11:02 PM) *
I dunno. Isn't Sergio Aguero still kinda handy?


I think there's being a misunderstanding here.

I'm referring to classic poachers. Guys like Cutrone, Piatek, Gilardino, Inzaghi, Crespo etc. who thrive on service. Give the ball to Cutrone outside the box, he has no f*cking clue what do with it. Most of the time he'll just end up losing it.

Aguero is an all-round striker. He has incredible talent and is capable of doing anything with the ball at his feet. He can dribble past the defenders and score from any position. That's the difference.

Posted by: Danny Jul 25 2019, 06:22 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 25 2019, 04:04 PM) *
I think there's being a misunderstanding here.

I'm referring to classic poachers. Guys like Cutrone, Piatek, Gilardino, Inzaghi, Crespo etc. who thrive on service. Give the ball to Cutrone outside the box, he has no f*cking clue what do with it. Most of the time he'll just end up losing it.

Aguero is an all-round striker. He has incredible talent and is capable of doing anything with the ball at his feet. He can dribble past the defenders and score from any position. That's the difference.


I knew what you meant - and Aguero isn't the player you just described at all for me. He's a classic 9. We agree on the talent but you appear to be describing the Suarez/Neymar/Messi/Ronaldo striker - Aguero just isn't like that IMO.

But if you don't agree I respect that.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 25 2019, 09:38 PM

Okay... much talk, little progress so far I see.

Firstly, all our signings up today are mainly rotational. What makes me concerned is that we seem to move pretty slowly. No news on Kessie being offered to someone, no news about us selling Strinić or Rodriguez, the Silva move seems to have collapsed for unknown/mysterious reasons which could ultimately mean we're stuck with him. No news on Suso either...

I mean Giampaolo seems to be set on the 4-3-1-2 system. Yet we have players like Rodriguez and Kessie who seem to be useless in such a system, and especially Castillejo and Suso. We need to get rid of them and for once in perhaps 5 years sign someone other the a talent or a has-been. Meaning no Higuain's any more but also no Zaniolo's.

That being said, I think we're going after Modrić. How this will end is rather unclear, but as far as I know, Boban is working to make the deal possible. Two strong cards in favor of this move (other the Real not being on best terms with Modrić) is that Boban has great influence and that Modrić always was keen on playing for Milan.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 26 2019, 01:18 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 25 2019, 10:38 PM) *
Okay... much talk, little progress so far I see.

Firstly, all our signings up today are mainly rotational. What makes me concerned is that we seem to move pretty slowly. No news on Kessie being offered to someone, no news about us selling Strinić or Rodriguez, the Silva move seems to have collapsed for unknown/mysterious reasons which could ultimately mean we're stuck with him. No news on Suso either...

I mean Giampaolo seems to be set on the 4-3-1-2 system. Yet we have players like Rodriguez and Kessie who seem to be useless in such a system, and especially Castillejo and Suso. We need to get rid of them and for once in perhaps 5 years sign someone other the a talent or a has-been. Meaning no Higuain's any more but also no Zaniolo's.

That being said, I think we're going after Modrić. How this will end is rather unclear, but as far as I know, Boban is working to make the deal possible. Two strong cards in favor of this move (other the Real not being on best terms with Modrić) is that Boban has great influence and that Modrić always was keen on playing for Milan.

I belive Bennacer will start most of the time, same goes for Theo. Kessie may fit in Giampaolo's system, and I don't believe we will offload him w/o a good offer. Suso may end up at Roma, but it is good that we are asking for money and not accepting garbage players in exchange (that's how we got stuck with Laxalt and others). Hopefully we will find a home for Silva, Rodriguez, others may be harder to offload.

Mixed feeling about Correa. Sounds like the kind of player we need, but it is a lot of money. Modric would be great, not convinced about James.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jul 26 2019, 06:11 AM

the latest name now is Keita Baldé Diao. Not sure if that would help much

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 26 2019, 10:46 AM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Jul 26 2019, 08:11 AM) *
the latest name now is Keita Baldé Diao. Not sure if that would help much

Can't believe we're actually interested...

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 26 2019, 02:49 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 26 2019, 11:46 AM) *
Can't believe we're actually interested...

Also talking about Rafael Leao (https://www.spaziomilan.it/2019/07/milan-suso-correa/). There are claims that these names are coming up to put pressure on Atletico, who knows. In general, mercato news this year is less reliable than normally. Hopefully that is an indication that M&B are more guarded with the info they provide to the press, which would be a good thing AFAIAC.

As for Suso, it looks like we are now being offered Fazio by Roma.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 26 2019, 03:18 PM

Fazio? No thanks...

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 26 2019, 03:21 PM

Also, why are we so obsessed to bring in a very good CB? I mean Musacchio isn't perfect but he's more then solid. Romagnoli is great. And why are we acting like Caldara isn't ours anymore? Did that injury suddenly make him disappear? Don't get me wrong - I never rated Caldara in the first place, but we got him, Musacchio and Romag. Get us a cheap and solid rotational extra CB and we're good. Let's focus on other areas instead - for example the trequartista or a replacement for Bakayoko.

Posted by: Danny Jul 26 2019, 04:00 PM

Apparently Milan scouts were at Ibrox last night to look at Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos.

If anyone wants to know more, I can say with some authority I'm your man laugh.gif

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 26 2019, 04:24 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 26 2019, 04:21 PM) *
Also, why are we so obsessed to bring in a very good CB? I mean Musacchio isn't perfect but he's more then solid. Romagnoli is great. And why are we acting like Caldara isn't ours anymore? Did that injury suddenly make him disappear? Don't get me wrong - I never rated Caldara in the first place, but we got him, Musacchio and Romag. Get us a cheap and solid rotational extra CB and we're good. Let's focus on other areas instead [...].

Caldara is out until November (I believe). So we are down to two legit CBs (three if we are willing to use Gabbia). An injury to either would be a problem. Also, Caldara's injury was serious, he has been out of play for a long time, who knows how well he will do when he gets back, and how well he will adjust to a back-line of 4. That said, you are right, we should aim for "cheap and solid rotational" for the role. Don't understand why we are after expensive players that Rube does not want to sell us anyway.

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 26 2019, 04:21 PM) *
[...] Let's focus on other areas instead - for example the trequartista or a replacement for Bakayoko.

I would think SS is our highest priority (given how Giampaolo intends to play).

I believe we have options for Bakayoko's role. We still have Biglia (doubt it we can unload him), and I believe Bennacer can play that role ("In Bennacer, Milan would be getting a deep-lying playmaker who doesn't shy away from his defensive duties and intercepts danger in its tracks just like Bakayoko did." - https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/who-is-ismael-bennacer-forgotten-arsenal-talent-algeria-hero-now-set-for-ac-milan-move). If we get Badelj we should be covered (though this potential transfer seems to have gone cold in recent days).

Paqueta should be able to act as trequartista (https://sempremilan.com/paqueta-kaka-trequartista-role). That said, given the importance of the role in Giampaolo's system, we may need someone else. I believe Giampaolo is trying to get Suso to play in this role, but it is not clear if Suso can do that, and in any case he most likely will leave. In theory we also have Maldini Jr, but I think he is not quite ready for prime time.

SS is a bigger hole, IMHO. We don't really have anyone that can do that. Not Cutrone nor Borini, unlikely Silva or Suso, maybe Samu at a stretch. That's why we are after Correa, and linked with the likes of Keita and Leao.

FWIW, I find the "borsino" on https://www.spaziomilan.it/ somewhat interesting.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 26 2019, 04:37 PM

For anyone even vaguely interested, AC Milan women team is experiencing a lot of changes (https://www.spaziomilan.it/2019/07/milan-femminile-nasce-il-diavolo-di-maurizio-ganz/). Completely new management (Ganz in charge), completely new midfield (lost a couple of players that were outstanding in the WC), etc

FWIW, I spent a fair amount of time watching WC games this summer, and will start following the Italian league.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 26 2019, 04:39 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Jul 26 2019, 05:00 PM) *
Apparently Milan scouts were at Ibrox last night to look at Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos.

If anyone wants to know more, I can say with some authority I'm your man laugh.gif

You got me interested :-)

Is he any good? Can he cover the SS role? How much would he cost?

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 26 2019, 05:13 PM

Looks like we are getting closer to a deal for Suso (https://www.spaziomilan.it/2019/07/milan-roma-suso/). However, that would involve getting Schick, which I am not too happy about. Also, apparently Suso would prefer Seville (though we are unlikely to see any money if he ends up there).

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 26 2019, 05:19 PM

Some interest in Silva from Wolverhampton and Marseilles (https://www.spaziomilan.it/2019/07/calciomercato-milan-andre-silva-tra-francia-e-inghilterra-marsiglia-e-wolverhampton-sul-portoghese/).

It also looks like Wolverhampton have offered 18M plus 3M bonus for Cutrone, but that has been rejected.

AFAIAC, we really need to get either Silva or Curtone out, if not both ...

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 26 2019, 05:23 PM

Genoa after Biglia (https://www.spaziomilan.it/2019/07/calciomercato-milan-il-genoa-fa-sul-serio-per-biglia-primi-contatti-con-il-diavolo/). Another player we need to offload ASAP, though in his case I doubt we will get much.

Our problem is the salaries we have offered to worthless players, which makes it real hard to get them out. We have done this over, and over, and over. Galliani first, then F&M.

EDIT: apparently, Biglia would rather stay at Milan (https://www.calciomercato.com/news/biglia-il-futuro-e-un-rebus-ci-prova-il-genoa-lui-vuole-il-milan-72072). And, not surprisingly, one reason is that he is making 3.5M at Milan, while Genoa would not offer him more than 2M. Apparently, the Silva deal with Marseilles broke down for similar reasons.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 26 2019, 05:38 PM

Correa to Milan update (https://www.spaziomilan.it/2019/07/calciomercato-milan-su-instagram-i-tifosi-chiedono-a-correa-di-venire-a-milano-il-fratello-risponde-con-diversi-like/). Milan fans asking Correa to come to Milan (on Instagram), his brother replying with "like" to all of them. Not much to go on, but it is the story of this mercato.

Unclear BTW if the Correa deal is linked to us getting rid of Silva (have heard it both ways)

Posted by: han2503 Jul 26 2019, 08:06 PM

The Correa thing dragging is strange considering it was done just a few days ago and now after the Silva fiasco with Monaco (FFS!!) it seems to have stalled

And now it's being reported as breaking news that we've signed Rafael Leao from Lille for 35m(!!!)

40m for Correa and 35m for this guys who I've never even heard of? Seems crazy to me. Either the Correa deal collapsed along with Silva's or we're selling both Silva and Cutrone and trying to replace them with potential high risk/high reward players that could be worth a lot more in a few years

I still think the midfield is lacking a lot. x-off I get what you meant 2 pages back about having the bodies, but the quality is very low imo Paqueta aside. Kessie has zero brain cells, Hakan blows hot and cold too often, Suso only playsuntil christmas and shifting him centrally could even damage that good spell, Biglia is a walking injury, same with Bonaventura. Krunic looks promising but I can't see him being anything more than a rotation mid. Bennacer definitely looks like a great move and will bring in a new dynamic to our midfield, but imo we sttill lack that one real quality guy who can make all these pieces we have link up


Also, just want to add that letting Zapata go is still one of the worst mistakes we made this summer. Keeping him would have saved us the trouble of going into the market for a CB. He was reliable, a great example in the dressing room and someone who never complains about lack of playing time. Now they're barking up the Juve tree again for one of their players...

Posted by: han2503 Jul 26 2019, 08:15 PM

This as well apparently

Milan are very close to signing Flamengo central defender Leo Duarte for €11M, according to the reliable
@aleaus81


Anyone know anything about either him or Leao?

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 26 2019, 08:26 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 26 2019, 09:06 PM) *
The Correa thing dragging is strange considering it was done just a few days ago and now after the Silva fiasco with Monaco (FFS!!) it seems to have stalled

And now it's being reported as breaking news that we've signed Rafael Leao from Lille for 35m(!!!)

40m for Correa and 35m for this guys who I've never even heard of? Seems crazy to me. Either the Correa deal collapsed along with Silva's or we're selling both Silva and Cutrone and trying to replace them with potential high risk/high reward players that could be worth a lot more in a few years

I still think the midfield is lacking a lot. x-off I get what you meant 2 pages back about having the bodies, but the quality is very low imo Paqueta aside. Kessie has zero brain cells, Hakan blows hot and cold too often, Suso only playsuntil christmas and shifting him centrally could even damage that good spell, Biglia is a walking injury, same with Bonaventura. Krunic looks promising but I can't see him being anything more than a rotation mid. Bennacer definitely looks like a great move and will bring in a new dynamic to our midfield, but imo we sttill lack that one real quality guy who can make all these pieces we have link up


Also, just want to add that letting Zapata go is still one of the worst mistakes we made this summer. Keeping him would have saved us the trouble of going into the market for a CB. He was reliable, a great example in the dressing room and someone who never complains about lack of playing time. Now they're barking up the Juve tree again for one of their players...

Just checked, the only source I could find talking about a Leao deal is Goal.com (https://www.goal.com/it/notizie/calciomercato-milan-rafael-leao-lille-35-milioni/1a90ziusrl2mp1xf6cv6jk06ys). However, I have given up on both them and CM (not at all reliable, particularly this mercato). Nothing on MilanistiNonEvoluti or SpazioMilan (which have been more dependable in recent times). Also, the goal.com story says "very close to", not a "done deal". Given all the news we got this summer, there is a huge difference between the two :-)

EDIT:. SpazioMilan has Leao as a done deal. OTOH, Goal.com, CM, and DiMarzioNews still have this as "close" or "very close" (not "done deal"). No mention on @NonEvoluto.

I agree we need more strength midfield, but I still think getting an SS is higher in priority. I agree 100% on Zapata, would like to understand the reason we did not renew. Solid player. (Not as concerned about the others we let go, except maybe Abate.)

EDIT: one theory on why we did not keep Zapata (from another forum). We would need to pay him 2.5M or more (net), so he would cost us 5M per year and (most likely) would have no resale value. OTOH, Duarte is going to cost us ~12M and we would pay him closer to 1M, so ~6M a year (assuming a 3 year contract) with the potential for a decent resale value. Think FFP.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 26 2019, 08:31 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 26 2019, 09:15 PM) *
This as well apparently

Milan are very close to signing Flamengo central defender Leo Duarte for €11M, according to the reliable
@aleaus81


Anyone know anything about either him or Leao?

Milanisti Non Evoluti confirms we are close to a deal (https://www.facebook.com/nonevoluto/photos/rpp.1521891211396091/2348165268768677/?type=3&theater). Lucci is the agent (also represents Suso). That said, if you read the comments you see that my frustration is shared by others, "close to a deal" means nothing in this mercato.

Posted by: Danny Jul 26 2019, 08:38 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jul 26 2019, 04:39 PM) *
You got me interested :-)

Is he any good? Can he cover the SS role? How much would he cost?


Darling, I could write pages and pages on this guy.

To cover the basics:

1: Yes. But unproven at international level, can't score v Celtic and has a horrific disciplinary record.
2: Yes, but not the best. He can be very selfish but mostly inside the box. He is a decent team player but SS isn't his best position.
3: £15-25M.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 26 2019, 08:50 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Jul 26 2019, 09:38 PM) *
Darling, I could write pages and pages on this guy.

To cover the basics:

1: Yes. But unproven at international level, can't score v Celtic and has a horrific disciplinary record.
2: Yes, but not the best. He can be very selfish but mostly inside the box. He is a decent team player but SS isn't his best position.
3: £15-25M.

Thanks. Does not sound all that interesting ...

Posted by: Danny Jul 27 2019, 01:57 AM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jul 26 2019, 08:50 PM) *
Thanks. Does not sound all that interesting ...


On the other hand top scorer in Scotland, and very similar to Moussa Dembele who is currently tearing it up in France and now Man Utd want him.

Dembele didn't (and still doesn't) have a cap for France. Morelos has 3 for Colombia.

If he can sort his head out he could do damage in Italy.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 27 2019, 03:31 AM

Apparently, Cutrone's transfer to Wolverhampton is a done deal (https://www.spaziomilan.it/2019/07/sky-sport-milan-cutrone-e-fatta-con-il-wolverhamton/ and https://gianlucadimarzio.com/it/milan-fatta-per-cutrone-al-wolverhampton). 18M plus bonuses. Still not official, Di Marzio's track record is pretty good, but other sites (like https://www.calciomercato.com/news/cutrone-torna-in-italia-addio-al-milan-ad-un-passo-15221) still have him as "real close".

Sad to see him leave, but I don't think he wanted to sit on the bench for most of the year, and the prevailing opinion is that his potential is limited. Also, we need the plusvalenza for FFP and the funds to get players that fit Giampaolo's system. Hopefully Silva will be out as well soon.

Interestingly, Correa jumped back to 85% on SpazioMilan's "borsino" (earlier today he had dropped from the 90's to 40%), a possible indication that deal is contingent on he sale of either Silva or Cutrone. Leao is at 60%, Keita and Demiral 30%.

BTW, Correa scored earlier today against Real Madrid (Atletico beat them 7-3). Just a pre-season game, but this looks like a "wake up call" for Zidane. I hear that Modric's performance was not that great, so I am hoping that this will increase our (rather small) chances of getting him.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 27 2019, 09:16 AM

Sad to read Cutrone will be out. I don't think moving to the Wolves is a right direction for him, but well.. We're losing a player with heart and sole, someone who could work his @ss off and still perform, unlike Borini. Still not convinced Piatek is any better or worth the sacrifice.

Han - you are completely right with Zapata. IMO letting both Zapata and Abate go was a mistake; only time will tell if this mistake is something we will pay for.

Oh and what's the status with our loaned players? Especially Locatelli?

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Jul 27 2019, 11:16 AM

Question on Zapata, did he contract expire? If so, he could be the one who wanted to leave?

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 27 2019, 12:30 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 27 2019, 09:16 AM) *
Sad to read Cutrone will be out. I don't think moving to the Wolves is a right direction for him, but well.. We're losing a player with heart and sole, someone who could work his @ss off and still perform, unlike Borini. Still not convinced Piatek is any better or worth the sacrifice.

Han - you are completely right with Zapata. IMO letting both Zapata and Abate go was a mistake; only time will tell if this mistake is something we will pay for.

Oh and what's the status with our loaned players? Especially Locatelli?


Locatelli is a Sassuolo player. They signed him for 10M.

Guys, I don’t see the situation as grim as some of you do. We already have a good enough defense (Donna, Conti/Calabria, Musacchio, Romagnoli, Theo) and a good midfield for Giampaolo’s 4-3-1-2 that lacks only one element. What we need the most are a couple of quality strikers, hence all the interest in that area.

I have faith in Maldini and Boban, they’ll build a competitive team before the start of the season. Just be patient.

Posted by: Danny Jul 27 2019, 12:57 PM

Competitive in what sense? Fighting for 10th spot? In which case I firmly agree.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 27 2019, 01:27 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Jul 27 2019, 12:57 PM) *
Competitive in what sense? Fighting for 10th spot? In which case I firmly agree.


4th.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 27 2019, 03:00 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jul 26 2019, 08:26 PM) *
Just checked, the only source I could find talking about a Leao deal is Goal.com (https://www.goal.com/it/notizie/calciomercato-milan-rafael-leao-lille-35-milioni/1a90ziusrl2mp1xf6cv6jk06ys). However, I have given up on both them and CM (not at all reliable, particularly this mercato). Nothing on MilanistiNonEvoluti or SpazioMilan (which have been more dependable in recent times). Also, the goal.com story says "very close to", not a "done deal". Given all the news we got this summer, there is a huge difference between the two :-)

EDIT:. SpazioMilan has Leao as a done deal. OTOH, Goal.com, CM, and DiMarzioNews still have this as "close" or "very close" (not "done deal"). No mention on @NonEvoluto.

I agree we need more strength midfield, but I still think getting an SS is higher in priority. I agree 100% on Zapata, would like to understand the reason we did not renew. Solid player. (Not as concerned about the others we let go, except maybe Abate.)

EDIT: one theory on why we did not keep Zapata (from another forum). We would need to pay him 2.5M or more (net), so he would cost us 5M per year and (most likely) would have no resale value. OTOH, Duarte is going to cost us ~12M and we would pay him closer to 1M, so ~6M a year (assuming a 3 year contract) with the potential for a decent resale value. Think FFP.

All of these moves are coming out of left field. I honestly don't think even Di Marzio has any grasp on what's really going on at Casa Milan until it's bsaiclly almost done

The Silva move to Monaco collapsing has really screwed us over. Hopefully we can ship him out for good cash ASAP so we can make more moves. I'm actually excited about Correa, because he has the kind of profile we lack, but on the other hand this Leao kid looks average even on a youtube highlight real. 35m for him seems insane to me. I'd much rather have seen us try to go after a good midfielder with that kind of money rather than a kid who's only had a decent season in france. Looks like another Andre Silva to me

As for Zapata, I highly doubt he's going to be getting anywhere near the money at Genoa that he did with us. I'm sure they could have negotiated for a smaller pay packet that he would have accepted. Seems short sighted to me that we would let him go and open a can of worms that we could have avoided.

Anyway, let's see what this Duarte has to offer. I hope that at least 50% of these moves we're going for will come good

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jul 27 2019, 03:31 AM) *
Apparently, Cutrone's transfer to Wolverhampton is a done deal (https://www.spaziomilan.it/2019/07/sky-sport-milan-cutrone-e-fatta-con-il-wolverhamton/ and https://gianlucadimarzio.com/it/milan-fatta-per-cutrone-al-wolverhampton). 18M plus bonuses. Still not official, Di Marzio's track record is pretty good, but other sites (like https://www.calciomercato.com/news/cutrone-torna-in-italia-addio-al-milan-ad-un-passo-15221) still have him as "real close".

Sad to see him leave, but I don't think he wanted to sit on the bench for most of the year, and the prevailing opinion is that his potential is limited. Also, we need the plusvalenza for FFP and the funds to get players that fit Giampaolo's system. Hopefully Silva will be out as well soon.

Interestingly, Correa jumped back to 85% on SpazioMilan's "borsino" (earlier today he had dropped from the 90's to 40%), a possible indication that deal is contingent on he sale of either Silva or Cutrone. Leao is at 60%, Keita and Demiral 30%.

BTW, Correa scored earlier today against Real Madrid (Atletico beat them 7-3). Just a pre-season game, but this looks like a "wake up call" for Zidane. I hear that Modric's performance was not that great, so I am hoping that this will increase our (rather small) chances of getting him.

I'm not even letting myself think about Modric. I think chances of that happening are pretty slim and we shouldn't waste time on him when it's pretty much impossible and we need a creator in that midfield

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 27 2019, 09:16 AM) *
Sad to read Cutrone will be out. I don't think moving to the Wolves is a right direction for him, but well.. We're losing a player with heart and sole, someone who could work his @ss off and still perform, unlike Borini. Still not convinced Piatek is any better or worth the sacrifice.

Han - you are completely right with Zapata. IMO letting both Zapata and Abate go was a mistake; only time will tell if this mistake is something we will pay for.

Oh and what's the status with our loaned players? Especially Locatelli?

Borini is a good utility player imo, and always gives his all, it's when he's asked t play in technical roles that he loses all my support. But he really pulled us out of a couple of jams last season especially when he played LB or LWB

Locatelli became Sassuolo's outright this summer

QUOTE (Danny @ Jul 27 2019, 12:57 PM) *
Competitive in what sense? Fighting for 10th spot? In which case I firmly agree.

biggrin.gif Don't think it's that bad Danny

But with he squad as is (adding Correa , Bennacer and Leao to the equation) I still don't think it's enough.

The midfield is what's most concerning to me. The strikers won't score if we cannot get that midfield to function properly. We need a proper mezalla imo.

Bona, Biglia, Hakan and Paqueta are out most creative players in this area, 2 of them are unreliable in terms of injuries and let's not forget that Paqueta is still learning the ropes. While Hakan will be Hakan. I think it would be a fatal error to go into the season with this midfield

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 27 2019, 01:27 PM) *
4th.

I still think we need that little extra something to be sure of making that. Roma, Lazio and Atalanta will all want in on that so we need to make sure we have an edge on them, and right now, we don't imo

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 27 2019, 04:43 PM

On Cutrone:

- Massaro posted a farewell in https://www.calciomercato.com/news/milan-massaro-saluta-cutrone-in-bocca-al-lupo-bomber-foto-31523
- The deal is reported to be anywhere from 22M to 25M (including bonuses)
- FWIW, here is what Gentile (Sky Sports) had to say: "È un attaccante che prometteva tanto bene, a me Cutrone quando ha iniziato il percorso rossonero aveva veramente sorpreso, poi ha avuto qualche difficoltà in più secondo me, un po’ perché non aveva giocato tanto, e quando non giochi tanto il minutaggio va sempre controllato prima di dare un giudizio. È anche vero, però, che tre gol, se non sbaglio, nel giro di un anno sono pochi. È chiaro che sottoporta ci si aspettasse di più.” [Loosely translated: "He is a forward with a lot of promise, he surprised me when he started at Milan, then he had some problems, in part because he did not play much, and when you do not play much playing time needs to be taken into account. However, three goals in a year is not much. Would have expected more."]

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 27 2019, 04:54 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 27 2019, 04:00 PM) *
biggrin.gif Don't think it's that bad Danny

But with he squad as is (adding Correa , Bennacer and Leao to the equation) I still don't think it's enough.

The midfield is what's most concerning to me. The strikers won't score if we cannot get that midfield to function properly. We need a proper mezalla imo.

Bona, Biglia, Hakan and Paqueta are out most creative players in this area, 2 of them are unreliable in terms of injuries and let's not forget that Paqueta is still learning the ropes. While Hakan will be Hakan. I think it would be a fatal error to go into the season with this midfield

I still think we need that little extra something to be sure of making that. Roma, Lazio and Atalanta will all want in on that so we need to make sure we have an edge on them, and right now, we don't imo

Yup. I believe we can compete for the 4th spot, but it will be tough, hopefully the mercato is not over. Assuming we get Leao, Correa, and Duarte, then I agree that midfield is our biggest weakness.

BTW, I believe Bennacer is a done deal, meaning he has already signed. All is missing is an official presentation, but that will wait until he comes back from vacation.

As for Leao, I have some concerns but opinions are generally positive.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 27 2019, 06:41 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 27 2019, 03:00 PM) *
I still think we need that little extra something to be sure of making that. Roma, Lazio and Atalanta will all want in on that so we need to make sure we have an edge on them, and right now, we don't imo


Yes yes, we do. I never said we're fine as we are. We need another quality mezz'ala, a CB, and at least two strikers (assuming both Cutrone and Silva will be sold).

Personally, I'm more than fine with Musacchio starting games. I rate him, and if this Duarte guy can act as Zapata's replacement, then it's all good (also waiting for Caldara to return sometime).

What we need to do is sell Kessie. This guy is a huge hinderance, and I can't see us going anywhere if he continues to be a pivotal element of our midfield. Not sure with whom we're being linked in midfield anymore (last name I read was Praet?). Too bad we lost on the Barella deal. For him I would have sacrificed anyone in our team.

And as for attack, if we sell Cutrone and Silva, and sign Correa and someone else I think we're set.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 27 2019, 07:05 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 27 2019, 07:41 PM) *
Yes yes, we do. I never said we're fine as we are. We need another quality mezz'ala, a CB, and at least two strikers (assuming both Cutrone and Silva will be sold).

Personally, I'm more than fine with Musacchio starting games. I rate him, and if this Duarte guy can act as Zapata's replacement, then it's all good (also waiting for Caldara to return sometime).

What we need to do is sell Kessie. This guy is a huge hinderance, and I can't see us going anywhere if he continues to be a pivotal element of our midfield. Not sure with whom we're being linked in midfield anymore (last name I read was Praet?). Too bad we lost on the Barella deal. For him I would have sacrificed anyone in our team.

And as for attack, if we sell Cutrone and Silva, and sign Correa and someone else I think we're set.

I think Kessie and maybe even Hakan can do better in Gaimpaolo's system. More structure and clarity in the roles. I realize it may be wishful thinking, but ...

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 27 2019, 10:24 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jul 27 2019, 07:05 PM) *
I think Kessie and maybe even Hakan can do better in Gaimpaolo's system. More structure and clarity in the roles. I realize it may be wishful thinking, but ...


Nah man, Kessie is just thick. He's not good enough. We should sell him ASAP while his value is still around the 30M mark and there are some English clubs interested.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 28 2019, 03:12 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jul 27 2019, 04:54 PM) *
Yup. I believe we can compete for the 4th spot, but it will be tough, hopefully the mercato is not over. Assuming we get Leao, Correa, and Duarte, then I agree that midfield is our biggest weakness.

BTW, I believe Bennacer is a done deal, meaning he has already signed. All is missing is an official presentation, but that will wait until he comes back from vacation.

As for Leao, I have some concerns but opinions are generally positive.

I'm thinking this from the stand point of assuming that we'll wrap up the Bennacer, Correa, Duarte and Leao deals in the coming week or so. Although there does seem to be complete radio silence on the Correa negotiations, but I'm hoping it's because all is concluded and there is nothing left to report until they announce it

So with all that i mind, and assuming we've signed those players with only official announcements left to follow, I think we're covered in all areas aside from midfield. If we manage to bring in someone of quality to play either in the center of midfield or instead of Kessie, then I think we'd be set and have a pretty good squad going into the season

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 27 2019, 06:41 PM) *
Yes yes, we do. I never said we're fine as we are. We need another quality mezz'ala, a CB, and at least two strikers (assuming both Cutrone and Silva will be sold).

Personally, I'm more than fine with Musacchio starting games. I rate him, and if this Duarte guy can act as Zapata's replacement, then it's all good (also waiting for Caldara to return sometime).

What we need to do is sell Kessie. This guy is a huge hinderance, and I can't see us going anywhere if he continues to be a pivotal element of our midfield. Not sure with whom we're being linked in midfield anymore (last name I read was Praet?). Too bad we lost on the Barella deal. For him I would have sacrificed anyone in our team.

And as for attack, if we sell Cutrone and Silva, and sign Correa and someone else I think we're set.

I agree re the defense and attack. The midfield is worrying, both due to Kessie and the injury issues we have in that department

As thins stand our midfield will looks as follows

Bennacer--Biglia--Kessie


That's still pretty weak imo. Let's not forget how crucial Bakayoko was last season as well

And from what I read about Bennacer, he's much better on the side rather than in the centre where you have to be a lot more disciplined.

We don't really have anyone who can fill in for Biglia. And Kessie imo is a major weakness especially in Giampaolo's system

So ideally we need someone who replaces Kessie as a starter imo

We actually could play like so, with Hakan and Paqueta being interchangeable. But I don't know, could be a bit too attack minded

Hakan
Bennacer--Biglia--Paqueta


QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Jul 27 2019, 07:05 PM) *
I think Kessie and maybe even Hakan can do better in Gaimpaolo's system. More structure and clarity in the roles. I realize it may be wishful thinking, but ...

Nah, Hakan maybe, but I actually think Kessie will be even more exposed in a system like Giampoalo's where you have to be smart to carry out what's required of you. Kessie, is terrible at keeping the ball moving quickly and that's what Giampaolo wants from his teams. Last season I wanted to pull my hair out every time he lifted the ball off the ground to pass to somene close to him instead of making a simple quick pass.

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 27 2019, 10:24 PM) *
Nah man, Kessie is just thick. He's not good enough. We should sell him ASAP while his value is still around the 30M mark and there are some English clubs interested.

Agreed. We need to try to offload him to some English club that's stupid enough to give us good money for him


Right now aside from the midfield, I really am curious to see who else we'll sell. Cutrone is gone, Silva has a foot out the door, but Suso, Castillejo, Kessie, Laxalt could all be moved on for decent money, so we should be working on that front especially on the Spaniards, who don't really fit into the system we'll use

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 28 2019, 03:38 PM

Selling Kessie seems unlikely because there have been no rumors of any kind linking him to someone or even suggesting he'll be leaving.

Still not sure why you guys are so positive. Compete for the 4th? Maybe, but we have so many unknown variables that we might finish 4th if opposition (Roma and Lazio) allow us, or we might finish 8th or 9th. Leoa? Correa? Duarte? Bennacer? Krunic? Complete shots in the dark, beside Correa. What we need is stability and experience, someone who can contribute and perform with continuity. Up until now none of our players comes to mind beside Romagnoli.

Oh and yes, Giampaolo is a question mark as well. First time at a big club after years of (mostly) Serie B football. Has a tendency to make his teams unpredictable and drop form unexpectedly, something in the lines of that old hack Spalletti y'all used to adore some time ago.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 28 2019, 04:26 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 28 2019, 03:38 PM) *
Selling Kessie seems unlikely because there have been no rumors of any kind linking him to someone or even suggesting he'll be leaving.

Still not sure why you guys are so positive. Compete for the 4th? Maybe, but we have so many unknown variables that we might finish 4th if opposition (Roma and Lazio) allow us, or we might finish 8th or 9th. Leoa? Correa? Duarte? Bennacer? Krunic? Complete shots in the dark, beside Correa. What we need is stability and experience, someone who can contribute and perform with continuity. Up until now none of our players comes to mind beside Romagnoli.

Oh and yes, Giampaolo is a question mark as well. First time at a big club after years of (mostly) Serie B football. Has a tendency to make his teams unpredictable and drop form unexpectedly, something in the lines of that old hack Spalletti y'all used to adore some time ago.

Hmm, true. You have a point, a lot of things could easily turn out pear shaped for us.

I think so far we've made a lot of risky moves for young players, and I fear that we're mostly just looking at these players with an outlook for what their potential price could be a few years down the line.

But still, I think we've made some good moves that improve on what we had last season. Bennacer for me is someone who I think is going to be a huge asset going forward. Leao and Duarte are complete shots in the dark but they're going to be back ups so I'm not too worried.

And yes, I agree that we lack experience, it's what I want in the midfield tbh, someone with experience and quality who can make the difference, don't know who that could be at this point but it's what I think we need to make everything click

Agreed about Giampaolo as well, but sometimes you just have to have a bit of faith on these things. He's definitely a more astute tactician than Rino who took us to a single point away from 4th, so I'm hoping that extra bit of know how will put us over the edge

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 28 2019, 06:18 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 28 2019, 03:12 PM) *
As thins stand our midfield will looks as follows

Bennacer--Biglia--Kessie


That's still pretty weak imo. Let's not forget how crucial Bakayoko was last season as well

And from what I read about Bennacer, he's much better on the side rather than in the centre where you have to be a lot more disciplined.


That's incorrect. Bennacer was signed with the sole intention of covering the slot left open from Bakayoko. He'll be positioned in front of the defense. It's also the position he covered at Empoli.

Right now, our midfield look like this:

Kessie - Bennacer - Paqueta
Hakan/Suso


QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 28 2019, 03:38 PM) *
Selling Kessie seems unlikely because there have been no rumors of any kind linking him to someone or even suggesting he'll be leaving.

Still not sure why you guys are so positive. Compete for the 4th? Maybe, but we have so many unknown variables that we might finish 4th if opposition (Roma and Lazio) allow us, or we might finish 8th or 9th. Leoa? Correa? Duarte? Bennacer? Krunic? Complete shots in the dark, beside Correa. What we need is stability and experience, someone who can contribute and perform with continuity. Up until now none of our players comes to mind beside Romagnoli.

Oh and yes, Giampaolo is a question mark as well. First time at a big club after years of (mostly) Serie B football. Has a tendency to make his teams unpredictable and drop form unexpectedly, something in the lines of that old hack Spalletti y'all used to adore some time ago.


You want stability and experience, but at what cost do you intend to achieve that? Did you forget we just got kicked from Europe because we amassed a ridiculous 126M loss for 2018/19?

We need a fresh start, with young and relatively inexpensive players. Unless you want to splash a fortune for the likes of Bale, James Rodriguez and friends in order to get that stability and experience you strive for.

This is the best we can afford right now, and given the circumstances, I think Maldini and Boban are doing a pretty good job thus far.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 28 2019, 08:47 PM

Not going to contradict you about Bennacer, because I'm not sure, we'll see

You make a good point and I'd agree, had we not just spent 30m on a Portuguese kid who only had a singl good season in the French league.

Add to that, there's talk that the Correa deal is stalling because of this, which is worrying. We need a proper SS, so all this is making me a bit weary


Btw, anyone watching the friendly against Benfica? I have to say we look decent so far

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 28 2019, 11:04 PM

I gave up long ago on these pre-season matches. I somehow came to the conclusion that you can learn little about the true quality of the team from them.

Posted by: Danny Jul 29 2019, 04:00 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 28 2019, 11:04 PM) *
I gave up long ago on these pre-season matches. I somehow came to the conclusion that you can learn little about the true quality of the team from them.


Correct. I learned this from Rangers - promising pre-seasons then league action a completely different animal. Serie A is similar - a far different beast to a friendly.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jul 29 2019, 04:52 PM

So leao (30m) and durate (11m) both being quoted as a 41 m deal. We raised 18 from curtone.

Can't say anything how this will end up. For leao the 30m is highly risky especially considering how bad experience we had with silva.

Posted by: Danny Jul 29 2019, 07:06 PM

Leao a far better player to Silva, and a better prospect. 10 goals/asists in 24 in France at age 20 for the second top team to PSG only is a fair chunk better than anything you can do in Portugal. Whether he has the mental strength to deliver in our shirt is the real question, but I wouldn't compare to Silva.

This is a signing I'm happy with.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 30 2019, 03:32 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 28 2019, 07:18 PM) *
You want stability and experience, but at what cost do you intend to achieve that? Did you forget we just got kicked from Europe because we amassed a ridiculous 126M loss for 2018/19?

We need a fresh start, with young and relatively inexpensive players. Unless you want to splash a fortune for the likes of Bale, James Rodriguez and friends in order to get that stability and experience you strive for.

This is the best we can afford right now, and given the circumstances, I think Maldini and Boban are doing a pretty good job thus far.

Indeed.

The current strategy is risky, no question there. OTOH, I am not sure we have much of a choice. We cannot buy "proven players", cannot afford most of them (as we have to play by FFP rules). The only "proven players" we can afford are the ones that are struggling (Bale and James fall in that category, IMHO), and (based on past experience) that approach is not going to guarantee success (think Bonucci and Higuain). So we need to go for the ones that have potential (and hope they do not turn into flops). Need to go for youth (so if they do well they will have resale value). It is what other Serie A teams have been doing, including successful ones (think Napoli). And it will take time (took Napoli a few years before they started competing at the top of Serie A).

Giampaolo is consistent with the strategy, and we are banking on his ability to build player value (which he has done before). But, yes, he is "unproven", which means he is a risk, and that may mean we do not make the 4th CL spot.

And yes, so far I also believe M&B are doing a decent job.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 30 2019, 03:33 AM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Jul 28 2019, 09:47 PM) *
You make a good point and I'd agree, had we not just spent 30m on a Portuguese kid who only had a singl good season in the French league.

Sadly, by today standards 30M is not that much

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 30 2019, 03:43 AM

QUOTE
Gianluigi Donnarumma: Even though this is just a preseason game Gigio was spectacular. During multiple points in the match he faced an attacker 1 on 1 and he stopped them each time. Gigio looked in mid season form as he bailed out Milan from a few mistakes on defence. 7.5/10

Davide Calabria: The starting right back job seems like Calabria’s to lose at this point. However he could use some work on offence. Defensively he is solid but his pace going forward might be a problem in such a narrow formation. 6/10

Matteo Musacchio: Well new year same mediocre Musacchio. Musacchio per usual is average, he’ll make a good play then give the ball away in the next possession. This is preseason still so hey maybe he can still improve under Giampaolo. 6/10

Alessio Romagnoli: To counter act Musacchio and his mediocrity Giampaolo put him next to a brick wall. Romagnoli is always solid as he basically gives me no material to write about. It was interesting to note that it seems that Giampaolo wants Alessio to be more of a distributor on the back line 7/10

Ricardo Rodriguez: After what I saw what Theo Hernandez did in the last match it is hard to compare Rodriguez to him. Rodriguez is solid but he lacks the pace to contribute on offence. Against Bayern Hernandez made forward runs all by his lonesome but Rodriguez is just incapable of doing so. 6.5/10

Fabio Borini: Borini as a midfielder, well I still don't like it but it’s the preseason so why not experiment a bit. Borini like always is the hardest worker on the pitch but his performances on the Milan social media accounts are better than his performances on the pitch. 6/10

Lucas Biglia: Aside from a marvellous free kick that struck the cross bar Biglia was subpar. In possession he takes his time and might not get rid of the ball quick enough for this system. Not to mention he was the one who gave away the ball that led to the Benfica goal 5/10

Hakan Calhanoglu: Hakan playing in a more natural position has improved his play for sure but he continues to insist on taking long shots. Doubt he would in the starting eleven at the start of the year barring any injuries. 6/10

Suso: If Silvio Berlusconi saw this lineup it would have brought a smile to his face because Suso finally played as an attacking midfielder. Surprisingly he fit the role and played good passes to the strikers to create scoring chances. 6.5/10

Samu Castillejo: Another chance for Castillejo to prove that he is able to play as a second striker and another chance possibly blown. A number of times Castillejo had an opportunity to score and on every chance he failed to capitalize. 6/10

Krzysztof Piatek: For the second straight game Piatek didn't get much service. Only really getting one opportunity to put the ball in the net and he failed to do so. 5.5/10

SUBSTITUTES
Pepe Reina: Coming on at the start of the second half Reina put in solid minutes as usual. However I'm not really sure why Reina is getting this time and why youngster Alessandro Plizzari doesn't see any time on the field. 6/10

Andrea Conti: Giving another opportunity to prove that he is back from his countless injuries. It is apparent that Conti just isn't there yet and it might take him more time to get back to playing regularly. 5.5/10

Matteo Gabbia: After last match’s great performance I felt that Gabbia should have been given the opportunity to start. Gabbia came in a did his job, it would be nice to see him next to Romagnoli in the next match. 6/10

Rade Krunic: A debut for the newest Rossoneri. Krunic wasn't given much time to incorporate himself into that match and didn't make much of an impact. It would have been nice to see more of Krunic and maybe even put him in the starting eleven in place of Fabio Borini. 6/10

Ivan Strinic: Well it looks like Ivan Strinic should be the odd man out at the left back position. To be completely frank he just doesn't have it and Milan should took to ship him off. 5/10

Marco Brescianini: N/A

Daniel Maldini: N/A

(https://acmilan.theoffside.com/2019/7/29/8934228/player-ratings-icc-benfica-1-0-milan)

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 30 2019, 09:52 AM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Jul 29 2019, 04:52 PM) *
So leao (30m) and durate (11m) both being quoted as a 41 m deal. We raised 18 from curtone.

Can't say anything how this will end up. For leao the 30m is highly risky especially considering how bad experience we had with silva.


Skeptical about Leao, but we just have to have faith in Boban and Maldini. They're very good football conoseurs, especially Boban, who apparently was the one who wanted him.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jul 30 2019, 10:36 AM

so assuming that we get correa after leao and durate, we should then look to sell silva and wingers (castillejo or suso) and try to get some quality midfielder


Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 30 2019, 10:47 AM

I've heard Suso impressed as trequartista against Benfica, yes?

My priority for selling:
- Silva
- Kessie
- Castillejo
- Biglia
- Strinić (is he a Milan player?)

And well... I hate to say it but I'm so unconfortable with our fullbacks right now. Calabria is mediocre and is a ideal backup. Conti is a question mark and this could be his last shot. Hernandez I don't know, Rodriguez on the other hand should be played as CB and nothing else.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jul 30 2019, 11:12 AM

strinic should be our player i think he even played one of the friendlies. Regarding suso we have his contract issues as well, i doubt they will get any better now considering that we now offer a lower salary then before.

for fullbacks it is definitely a hit or miss. Hernandez i believe is injured as well.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 30 2019, 01:39 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Jul 30 2019, 10:36 AM) *
so assuming that we get correa after leao and durate, we should then look to sell silva and wingers (castillejo or suso) and try to get some quality midfielder


I don't think we'll sign Correa if we get Leao.

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 30 2019, 10:47 AM) *
I've heard Suso impressed as trequartista against Benfica, yes?

My priority for selling:
- Silva
- Kessie
- Castillejo
- Biglia
- Strinić (is he a Milan player?)

And well... I hate to say it but I'm so unconfortable with our fullbacks right now. Calabria is mediocre and is a ideal backup. Conti is a question mark and this could be his last shot. Hernandez I don't know, Rodriguez on the other hand should be played as CB and nothing else.


Hernandez impressed a lot before he left injured vs Bayern, no? And here's to hoping this is Conti's year.

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Jul 30 2019, 11:12 AM) *
strinic should be our player i think he even played one of the friendlies. Regarding suso we have his contract issues as well, i doubt they will get any better now considering that we now offer a lower salary then before.

for fullbacks it is definitely a hit or miss. Hernandez i believe is injured as well.


Strinic shouldn't be considered. He was garbage before his heart problems, imagine now after one year of inactivity.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 30 2019, 01:41 PM

Starting line-up thus far:

Donnarumma
Conti - Musacchio - Romagnoli - Theo
Kessie - Bennacer - Paqueta
Suso/Hakan
Leao - Piatek


Thoughts?

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jul 30 2019, 05:40 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 30 2019, 02:41 PM) *
Starting line-up thus far:

Donnarumma
Conti - Musacchio - Romagnoli - Theo
Kessie - Bennacer - Paqueta
Suso/Hakan
Leao - Piatek


Thoughts?


First thing is that the oldest player is Musacchio who is 28 i believe. rest are all 25 or less. So a very young team. The defense and mid is somewhat same as last year ( in terms of overall quality/expectations). For attack (top-3) we need Piatek to be on form and hopefully Leao and Suso/Hakan to play a true trequista role. Although i believe the most ideal player behind the strikers would be Paqueta

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 30 2019, 07:55 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Jul 30 2019, 05:40 PM) *
Although i believe the most ideal player behind the strikers would be Paqueta


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kooNKyCR35c

His past at Flamengo and his games with us last season are a clear indicator that Paqueta is no trequartista. But I could be proven wrong.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 31 2019, 10:17 AM

I think expecting Leao and Bennacer to be immediate starters is a pipe dream. Especially counting on Leao to be a starter seems to me naive: the kid scored 8 goals and made 2 assists, he must adapt to the system and we must se if he can pull off a SS. I think he's mainly here because he's young and because we wanted a 2 in 1 striker who could pull off both positions. If we don't sign Correa our attack is insufficient.

As for Bennacer, we shall see. Much praise for the kid makes me hope he'll turn out good. But expecting him to fill Bakayoko's position immediately isn't realistic. It will be either Biglia starting, or (I hope) we manage to ship Biglia off to Genoa and sign a experienced organizer.

You got me wrong back few days ago. When I said Milan must sign experienced players I wasn't thinking about Ronaldo or Bale who are unattractable. Nor did I mean has-beens like Higuain. I meant the thing Monaco did by signing experienced and intelligent players like Moutinho or Falcao. We need those kind of players (not them specifically because they are now too old). Because starting Serie A with a team full of kids and question marks and having a coach with zero experience at big clubs is a sure recipe for disaster. Especially now that the calendar is set and we can expect things heating up immensely around November.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 31 2019, 12:02 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 31 2019, 10:17 AM) *
I think expecting Leao and Bennacer to be immediate starters is a pipe dream. Especially counting on Leao to be a starter seems to me naive: the kid scored 8 goals and made 2 assists, he must adapt to the system and we must se if he can pull off a SS. I think he's mainly here because he's young and because we wanted a 2 in 1 striker who could pull off both positions. If we don't sign Correa our attack is insufficient.

As for Bennacer, we shall see. Much praise for the kid makes me hope he'll turn out good. But expecting him to fill Bakayoko's position immediately isn't realistic. It will be either Biglia starting, or (I hope) we manage to ship Biglia off to Genoa and sign a experienced organizer.


Leao will start simply because we have no one else to pair with Piatek, unless we also sign Correa.

And Bennacer is a sure starter. Given what I've seen of him, his superb performance at the Africa Cup and the comments I've read, I'm expecting great things from him.

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 31 2019, 10:17 AM) *
You got me wrong back few days ago. When I said Milan must sign experienced players I wasn't thinking about Ronaldo or Bale who are unattractable. Nor did I mean has-beens like Higuain. I meant the thing Monaco did by signing experienced and intelligent players like Moutinho or Falcao. We need those kind of players (not them specifically because they are now too old). Because starting Serie A with a team full of kids and question marks and having a coach with zero experience at big clubs is a sure recipe for disaster. Especially now that the calendar is set and we can expect things heating up immensely around November.


Monaco splashed 60M for Falcao, not exactly spare change. Moutinho cost 25M, but in 2013 that was easily the equivalent of, what, 35-40M right now? They also signed James for 70M during that summer. Monaco isn't exactly the perfect example to prove your point.

Nowadays everyone costs, a lot. An unproven youngster like Leao costs 30M, a more well-known one like Correa costs 50M, and a proven and experienced player costs much, much more. We're simply outclassed in this aspect.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 31 2019, 12:11 PM

Our potential line-up for next season according to Gazzetta:

Donnarumma
Calabria - Duarte - Romagnoli - Hernandez
Krunic - Bennacer - Paqueta
Correa
Leao - Piatek


Bit of a shot in the dark there with Correa as trequartista...

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 31 2019, 03:02 PM

Duarte and not Musacchio? This is hilarious. Won't even comment.

Yes, Monaco spent much during that summer but those were just examples. If we have the money to bring a complete unknown quantity like Leao for more then 30 million, we should be able to sign someone like A. Witsel who signed for Dortmund for 20 million. Again, perhaps Falcao wasn't a good example but you know what I meant anyway wink.gif

And what... you think we'll start the season with 2 strikers and zero subs? I don't think so. I really think Leao has been signed as kind of a multiple option player or versatile striker. But I think what we need now is a older and solid backup striker. Also - I fear that we are relying too much on Piatek. If only we had someone like Dzeko or Immobile who could pull this off. With Piatek I'm unsure.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 31 2019, 03:23 PM

Right now we have Leao, Piatek, Silva and Borini. But Silva will definitely leave (I read earlier that negotiations with Monaco might restart) so here's to hoping we sign Correa as well.

Regardless, I'm a fan of this new appoach. Talented and promising youngsters so we might build a future upon them.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 31 2019, 06:51 PM

More indications that Biglia could be out. Free transfer to Genoa, looks like (https://sempremilan.com/sky-biglias-contract-could-be-terminated-with-genoa-interested).

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 31 2019, 11:38 PM

Last I've seen is that Milan wants a fee.

@X-O: why do you have to be so black and/or white? I'm not against it, but if someone (like Zapata) is good or serves a purpose, I'm all against shipping him off just because he's 30+ or 28+ or whatever the demarcation is.

And for the last time I repeat: young and talented players - yes. No experienced players at all? No, I don't think this is the way to achieving something. Especially with that kind of coach.

As for the strikers, Silva is as good as gone. So we have Piatek and Leao as starters and Borini as backup. If Piatek gets injured we're f@cked and down the drain goes everything. Perhaps even with Correa.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 1 2019, 09:45 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jul 31 2019, 11:38 PM) *
Last I've seen is that Milan wants a fee.

@X-O: why do you have to be so black and/or white? I'm not against it, but if someone (like Zapata) is good or serves a purpose, I'm all against shipping him off just because he's 30+ or 28+ or whatever the demarcation is.

And for the last time I repeat: young and talented players - yes. No experienced players at all? No, I don't think this is the way to achieving something. Especially with that kind of coach.

As for the strikers, Silva is as good as gone. So we have Piatek and Leao as starters and Borini as backup. If Piatek gets injured we're f@cked and down the drain goes everything. Perhaps even with Correa.


I was not happy with Zapata (or Abate) leaving either, so why do you say I'm being black and white? I'm just saying that having a project with the focus on talented youngsters rather than on free agent and old has-been's like in the Galliani days is a good direction.

QUOTE
If Piatek gets injured we're f@cked and down the drain goes everything. Perhaps even with Correa.


You tend to do this. You exaggerate when you're being negative. If Piatek gets injured, we'll still have Correa-Leao, with Borini or even Suso in case of emergency as back-ups. So, how exactly would we be f@cked?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 1 2019, 03:14 PM

Well...

Firstly, you say I'm not fair when judging you for having a black & white perspective. Then you bring in Galliani. Where did I exactly say we have to be like Galliani and bring in has-been's and freebies? I said our teams lacks experience which is dangerous considering the overall constellation.

Freebies can turn out great or bad: not every singing of a +30 player or a free agent has automatically to do with Galliani's thinking.

As for the second part - do I really exaggerate?? You're honestly bringing in Suso as an option? The guy can barely play a consistent season playing his best position. Now you would not only move him to AM but also try him as a striker in times of need? Correa is far from signed (Tottenham interest now), so all we have right now is a departing Silva and Leao, one of which should be a starter.

And again you're missing the bigger context. Giampolo's system thrives on dynamics and the striker pairing. Not only we don't know that Leao and Piatek will link, we also don't have any viable sub for Piatek who will be crucial to the new system. No, I really don't think this is something less important...

Also, consider the bigger picture. Inter just got stronger with Conte and their revamp, especially in defense. Juventus is piling up stars although I have my doubts considering Sarri - but they certainly don't look weaker. Roma is also doing everything to avoid last seasons scenario. Napoli will surely be much stronger in their second season under Ancelotti. Now let me ask you this: with our current signings and departures, are we much stronger then last season?

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 1 2019, 03:27 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 1 2019, 03:14 PM) *
Well...

Firstly, you say I'm not fair when judging you for having a black & white perspective. Then you bring in Galliani. Where did I exactly say we have to be like Galliani and bring in has-been's and freebies? I said our teams lacks experience which is dangerous considering the overall constellation.

Freebies can turn out great or bad: not every singing of a +30 player or a free agent has automatically to do with Galliani's thinking.


I didn't say you mentioned Galliani. I brought him up because we lived under his transfer management for many years, so that's my benchmark when comparing the new direction.

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 1 2019, 03:14 PM) *
As for the second part - do I really exaggerate?? You're honestly bringing in Suso as an option? The guy can barely play a consistent season playing his best position. Now you would not only move him to AM but also try him as a striker in times of need? Correa is far from signed (Tottenham interest now), so all we have right now is a departing Silva and Leao, one of which should be a starter.

And again you're missing the bigger context. Giampolo's system thrives on dynamics and the striker pairing. Not only we don't know that Leao and Piatek will link, we also don't have any viable sub for Piatek who will be crucial to the new system. No, I really don't think this is something less important...

Also, consider the bigger picture. Inter just got stronger with Conte and their revamp, especially in defense. Juventus is piling up stars although I have my doubts considering Sarri - but they certainly don't look weaker. Roma is also doing everything to avoid last seasons scenario. Napoli will surely be much stronger in their second season under Ancelotti. Now let me ask you this: with our current signings and departures, are we much stronger then last season?


Suso is a forward. A winger, but still he plays in attack. So, I don't see how that is an exaggeration as an emegency 5th option in attack.

And as for you question, I certainly think so. What departures are you talking about? Zapata, Abate, Montolivo, Bertolacci, Jose Mauri and Cutrone? They were hardly part of our team last season, save for Cutrone, whom I don't rate at all.

Posted by: Danny Aug 1 2019, 03:34 PM

So Morelos being looked at as a possible replacement for Silva. £15M.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Aug 2 2019, 07:38 AM

correa link is back. Apparently his agent met us yesterday and we have agreed personal terms with him. He has also told Athletico that he only wants Milan. So sooner or later it is expected that we will sign him.

Posted by: William405 Aug 2 2019, 11:49 AM

I don't know what to think about the transfer window until now. We're active, and we're bringing in young talent. However, I don't know all these players that we're bringing in. Except for Bennacer, who I've heard positive news about.

I think the squad is okay. It's well-balanced. But, I tend to agree with Pipo on the lack of experienced players there. If we could snatch someone like Modric that would be good. And, don't tell me we can't.. because we just splashed 35 mill on a youngster. I think we could land a deal a la Ronaldo with Madrid.

Posted by: William405 Aug 2 2019, 11:57 AM

https://www.football-italia.net/141569/rafael-leao-worth-milan-sacrifice

Interesting read. I also don't think he will be a first team player directly.

In my opinion, we will try to ship off Andre Silva, and then buy Correa.

This would leave us with Piatek-Correa partnership in front with Leao being backup.

We could play something like this:


Donnarumma
Conti - Musacchio - Romagnoli - Theo/Rodriguez
Kessie - Bennacer/Biglia - Paqueta
Suso/Hakan
Correa(Leao) - Piatek/*


Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Aug 3 2019, 05:51 PM

Watching man u vs milan. We just conceded. Defense was terrible

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Aug 3 2019, 06:03 PM

1-1 suso with a trademark goal


2-2 full time

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 4 2019, 10:49 AM

Suso was very good. Worst player on the pitch was Musacchio. He's not to be considered a starter IMO.

I hear Kessie is wanted by Arsenal and Spurs but we set a hefty price tag. Also Hakan wanted by Galatasaray and Leipzig for 20M [FI/Milannews]. Thoughts?

Oh and yes, the Boban-Modrić story continues on in Croatian media.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 4 2019, 11:09 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 4 2019, 10:49 AM) *
Suso was very good. Worst player on the pitch was Musacchio. He's not to be considered a starter IMO.

I hear Kessie is wanted by Arsenal and Spurs but we set a hefty price tag. Also Hakan wanted by Galatasaray and Leipzig for 20M [FI/Milannews]. Thoughts?

Oh and yes, the Boban-Modrić story continues on in Croatian media.

Yeah, Suso has been really interesting in that AM position, If Giampaolo can manage to convert him into a trequartista successfully, we'd have that position set. Suso is so creative, his issue is pace, but maybe he can pull off the AM position better than the winger position under the guidance of the right coach

I think 40m is the right price for Kessie, if we can get that out of some gullible English club we should jump on it. I don't think he can evolve into the player we need him to be at this point

As for Hakan, I'd keep him. He's versatile, he's creative and he's a hard worker. I actually like him a lot, just wish he was more consistent

And honestly, can we really sell anymore mids? With talk of Kessie and Biglia being on the market if we manage to sell them, I don't understand how we can replace them adequately at this stage of the window


Re Modric, is there anyone reliable in Croatia who's saying this could happen? Because to me it's pure fanatasy football stuff at this point

Posted by: han2503 Aug 4 2019, 11:12 AM

Bennacer made official this morning btw

I'm really liking the new social media stuff from the official club pages, we're finally in the 21st century

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Aug 4 2019, 05:22 PM

Cutrone had to be sacrificed to fund the Leo transfer. Leo is a great partner for Patrik, he is tall, has good skills and can create space. I like it already.

Bennacer is an excellent purchase as well, Milan have done two good moves there.

Think this season will be one where Milan is finally challenging for a 2nd or 3rd place on the podium. Not taking anything away from Napoli, inter, Roma or Lazio; but Milan finally seem to have a strong squad to challenge for the same.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 4 2019, 06:05 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Aug 4 2019, 05:22 PM) *
Cutrone had to be sacrificed to fund the Leo transfer. Leo is a great partner for Patrik, he is tall, has good skills and can create space. I like it already.

Bennacer is an excellent purchase as well, Milan have done two good moves there.

Think this season will be one where Milan is finally challenging for a 2nd or 3rd place on the podium. Not taking anything away from Napoli, inter, Roma or Lazio; but Milan finally seem to have a strong squad to challenge for the same.

Hmm, I don't think we're as good as Napoli or Inter.

Add to that those teams have kept the core group of players relatively the same, especially Napoli, while we're once again undergoing a lot of changes, not to mention a coach who has a style of play that none of our players are used to playing

Cutrone was sacrificed. don't know if I'm really all that happy about it either, I don't know enough about Leao to make that determination. I think it's pretty clear at this point that we're going after players who could have potentially high resale value.

Still, I think for us to be sure things for a top 4 finish, we need another mid and a proper SS who can support Piatek.

Correa talks have died down, while we're not linked to any midfielders with the type of profile we need. If Suso is going to be our starting AM that sloves things a bit, but I don't think relying on that would be a smart strategy for us as it could easily backfire.

Right now, Paolo and Boban really have to concentrate on selling as well. Especially Silva, this is the last summer we could potentially get decent money from his sale. Another bad year and we won't be able to get anything substantial out of him.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 5 2019, 08:57 AM

I really don't think we need to sign a trequartista. We practically have Suso, Hakan, Paquetà and even Bonaventura who can play that role. Right now our focus should be a RCM and another striker.

Glad to read that Suso played well vs United. How did the team as a whole play?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 5 2019, 09:25 AM

Naah man, none of the mentioned players is a true trequartista. Bonaventura is a question mark, coming from a long injury. Hakan and Suso are completely unreliable. Paqueta is also not a treq.

But right now this is not our top priority. If Correa is really out of the picture, we need to find a new target ASAP. We also need a deep lying midfielder, especially is Kessie and Biglia are gone.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 5 2019, 09:26 AM

Oh, and as for the game... we still need practice and we need to catch up on Giampaolo's ideas. Some players reacted well, others not so.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 5 2019, 09:38 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 5 2019, 09:25 AM) *
Naah man, none of the mentioned players is a true trequartista. Bonaventura is a question mark, coming from a long injury. Hakan and Suso are completely unreliable. Paqueta is also not a treq.

But right now this is not our top priority. If Correa is really out of the picture, we need to find a new target ASAP. We also need a deep lying midfielder, especially is Kessie and Biglia are gone.


Jeez, you're a perfectionist, aren't you? People adapt, football players are versatile. We have four players who CAN play that role and yet you're not convinced, when there are more pressing areas that need attention.

I think, should we sell Kessie and sign a proper replacement, alongside another quality striker (Correa?), then we're more than competitive to play for the top 4 position.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 5 2019, 11:40 AM

I don't understand Italian journalists. The stuff I read today, whether Giampaolo will prefer Biglia or Bennacer, or that if Correa comes he will play as trequartista (when the guy is clearly a striker...

Posted by: Danny Aug 5 2019, 03:46 PM

Wow, give the trequartista nonsense a rest will ya! All of you. They don't exist in football any more!

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Aug 5 2019, 06:31 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Aug 5 2019, 06:46 PM) *
Wow, give the trequartista nonsense a rest will ya! All of you. They don't exist in football any more!


None of the players we have nor the ones we are linked with are Trequesta material. That said, Giampaolo could create something similar with Paqueta or Suso in a 4-3-1-2 formation.

I can not say more on that, as it is Giampoalo that will decide how to proceed and who to employ in the slot behind the strikers.

CC han, I did say I'm not taking anything away from the usual suspects, but I do see Milan challenging for a 2nd or 3rd place finish. So much so that I am finally renewing my cable tv subscription for this seasons Serie A. I hope it will be a good omen.

Forza Milan!

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 6 2019, 08:46 AM

QUOTE (Danny @ Aug 5 2019, 03:46 PM) *
Wow, give the trequartista nonsense a rest will ya! All of you. They don't exist in football any more!


Well, if you're playing 4-3-1-2, you can't exactly play Cutrone as AM now can you?

Posted by: Danny Aug 6 2019, 01:01 PM

And who the hell even plays 1-2 these days?

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 6 2019, 02:23 PM

huh.gif

Posted by: Danny Aug 6 2019, 02:31 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 6 2019, 02:23 PM) *
huh.gif


Who plays two strikers and a man behind? I literally can't think of a single team who does that now.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 6 2019, 02:35 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Aug 6 2019, 02:31 PM) *
Who plays two strikers and a man behind? I literally can't think of a single team who does that now.


Dude, we ARE! Giampaolo plays 4-3-1-2. Suso is being used a trequartista behind the two strikers.

Posted by: TriniKing_CE Aug 6 2019, 03:09 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Aug 4 2019, 07:12 AM) *
Bennacer made official this morning btw

I'm really liking the new social media stuff from the official club pages, we're finally in the 21st century

I was recently telling my friend this... It's a lot more engaging and interactively styled. Gets fan more involved with the team, rather than just on the pitch. Hope they can manage to keep it up throughout the season as say the EPL clubs and such do. Juventus had a mini documentary series on Netflix a time. Would love if we became relevant enough again for something of that sort... Anyhow, baby steps lol.

Posted by: TriniKing_CE Aug 6 2019, 03:15 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Aug 4 2019, 01:22 PM) *
Cutrone had to be sacrificed to fund the Leo transfer. Leo is a great partner for Patrik, he is tall, has good skills and can create space. I like it already.

Bennacer is an excellent purchase as well, Milan have done two good moves there.

Think this season will be one where Milan is finally challenging for a 2nd or 3rd place on the podium. Not taking anything away from Napoli, inter, Roma or Lazio; but Milan finally seem to have a strong squad to challenge for the same.

I'm feeling pretty optimistic as well. We've had some really bad luck last season... Caldara, Bonna, Conti, Strinic, and those were just the injuries of exceptional length. Sure we can have a stroke of bad luck again, but I'm hoping the tides can turn a bit. Not to mention that two of our best players last season only came in January. If we manage to keep the momentum in the transfer market going and no big exits without a suitable replacement, I think we have good reason to be optimistic.

Posted by: TriniKing_CE Aug 6 2019, 03:41 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 6 2019, 10:35 AM) *
Dude, we ARE! Giampaolo plays 4-3-1-2. Suso is being used a trequartista behind the two strikers.

laugh.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 6 2019, 09:07 PM

But in all honesty, the 1-2 does seem antiquated. I hope it works. You never know... there was a time almost no team played with wingers.

Posted by: Danny Aug 6 2019, 09:25 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 6 2019, 02:35 PM) *
Dude, we ARE! Giampaolo plays 4-3-1-2. Suso is being used a trequartista behind the two strikers.


Maybe I should have prefixed 'team' with 'credible'.

Posted by: Danny Aug 6 2019, 09:26 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 6 2019, 09:07 PM) *
But in all honesty, the 1-2 does seem antiquated. I hope it works. You never know... there was a time almost no team played with wingers.


I actually like having it but no one uses it. That we are is... well doesn't that sum us up these days biggrin.gif

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Aug 6 2019, 09:28 PM

Milan was one of the toughest teams out there with a 4-3-1-2 (sometimes diamond and at times Christmas tree) formation-back in the day sad.gif ... it might be dated, but it is down to the coach and ultimately if the team jells to the formation.

Its reported Suso could move to France this summer ... I hope he does (along with Silva) and make way for a star player.


Posted by: X-Offender Aug 6 2019, 09:29 PM

I've been against 4-3-1-2 from the start, but that's going to be our formation under Giampaolo, so we might as well get used to it.

Posted by: Danny Aug 6 2019, 11:18 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Aug 6 2019, 09:28 PM) *
Milan was one of the toughest teams out there with a 4-3-1-2 (sometimes diamond and at times Christmas tree) formation-back in the day sad.gif ... it might be dated, but it is down to the coach and ultimately if the team jells to the formation.


True, but bear in mind with midfields and flanks being so dominant now, going two up front and sacrificing a man in midfield and the flanks makes us vulnerable.

It's not a good way to move forward.

In short, we'll be outnumbered.

Posted by: TriniKing_CE Aug 7 2019, 02:46 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 5 2019, 05:25 AM) *
We also need a deep lying midfielder, especially is Kessie and Biglia are gone.

Bennacer devilsmiley.gif

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 7 2019, 09:36 AM

QUOTE (TriniKing_CE @ Aug 7 2019, 02:46 AM) *
Bennacer devilsmiley.gif


Yeah man, we have Bennacer and Paquetà, both pretty good playmakers and creators. Suso as AM. We only need a good box-to-box mid, obviously Kessie being our option at the moment. But he's just not good enough. Unless we want to count Krunic as a starter...

Posted by: Danny Aug 7 2019, 12:08 PM

How's Biglia gone?

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 7 2019, 02:49 PM

He meant "if". Biglia and Kessie are apparently on the market.

Posted by: Danny Aug 7 2019, 03:26 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 7 2019, 02:49 PM) *
He meant "if". Biglia and Kessie are apparently on the market.


Ah got it. Sorry for my being miles out of the loop the past few months, my passion for Milan, while not and never gone, definitely dimmed.

Seeing the current state of this once-glorious club really is depressing.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 7 2019, 03:35 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Aug 7 2019, 03:26 PM) *
Ah got it. Sorry for my being miles out of the loop the past few months, my passion for Milan, while not and never gone, definitely dimmed.

Seeing the current state of this once-glorious club really is depressing.


But when you think about it, we're in better shape now than 4-5 years ago, when we were finishing 10th in the league.

Last season we missed the CL for one point, our best result since 2013.

And I am hopeful for next season.

Posted by: TriniKing_CE Aug 7 2019, 06:12 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 7 2019, 11:35 AM) *
But when you think about it, we're in better shape now than 4-5 years ago, when we were finishing 10th in the league.

Last season we missed the CL for one point, our best result since 2013.

And I am hopeful for next season.

Yes... This!

Let's Go!!! Forza Milan devilsmiley.gif cool.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 7 2019, 06:19 PM

I really don't get the optimism around here. Yes, we're better off now then 4 years ago finishing 10th. We're also much worse then 7 years ago when we finished 2nd. Nowadays we only can dream about contesting the scudetto. We have a team with what, 2-3 max players who even once experienced CL football?

We signed okay players, nothing more. No marquee signing, no experience added and the crucial components still missing. Sorry, I don't see much room for optimism, only a lot of shots in the dark but then again hardly any of those can make us considerably better to pull through and secure us the 4th spot in a league that isn't exactly competitive. Think outside the borders of Serie A for a moment: teams from Spain and England are miles away from and team bar Juventus. German teams who are in a constant decline are also much better.

To put it simply - too many factors and too much changes has to happen in order for Milan to become relevant again.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 7 2019, 06:35 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 7 2019, 06:19 PM) *
I really don't get the optimism around here. Yes, we're better off now then 4 years ago finishing 10th. We're also much worse then 7 years ago when we finished 2nd. Nowadays we only can dream about contesting the scudetto. We have a team with what, 2-3 max players who even once experienced CL football?

We signed okay players, nothing more. No marquee signing, no experience added and the crucial components still missing. Sorry, I don't see much room for optimism, only a lot of shots in the dark but then again hardly any of those can make us considerably better to pull through and secure us the 4th spot in a league that isn't exactly competitive. Think outside the borders of Serie A for a moment: teams from Spain and England are miles away from and team bar Juventus. German teams who are in a constant decline are also much better.

To put it simply - too many factors and too much changes has to happen in order for Milan to become relevant again.


Fillipo, you always talk as if we're still this great club that's having a number of bad seasons and needs to get back on track.

No, we're not a great club anymore. Context. Perspective. Italians use the word "ridimensionati", which literally translates to resized. We haven't played in the CL for 6 frigging years! So, given the circumstances, and given how we performed last season missing 4th place by a single point, I personally have to say that we've gotten stronger this summer and that I'm optimistic for a CL position next season.

Who even thinks about contesting the Scudetto for crying out loud!

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Aug 7 2019, 09:48 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Aug 7 2019, 02:18 AM) *
True, but bear in mind with midfields and flanks being so dominant now, going two up front and sacrificing a man in midfield and the flanks makes us vulnerable.

It's not a good way to move forward.

In short, we'll be outnumbered.


Maybe we will be outnumbered and maybe well finish 10th place ... it all depends on the coach and how well the team jells.

I for one am optimistic and cant wait to see what this new season brings devil.gif

Posted by: Danny Aug 7 2019, 10:27 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 7 2019, 03:35 PM) *
But when you think about it, we're in better shape now than 4-5 years ago, when we were finishing 10th in the league.

Last season we missed the CL for one point, our best result since 2013.

And I am hopeful for next season.


I can't argue with any of the logic in here. But it doesn't make me hopeful!

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 7 2019, 11:52 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 7 2019, 07:35 PM) *
No, we're not a great club anymore. Context. Perspective. Italians use the word "ridimensionati", which literally translates to resized. We haven't played in the CL for 6 frigging years! So, given the circumstances, and given how we performed last season missing 4th place by a single point, I personally have to say that we've gotten stronger this summer and that I'm optimistic for a CL position next season.

Who even thinks about contesting the Scudetto for crying out loud!

That sums it up. :-) Add to it the fact that we need to rebuild in a way that does not cause us further FFP problems. This means we cannot afford big name signings (I keep hearing Modric, but I am not convinced it will really happen), we need to reduce our wage bill (some progress has been made towards this goal but we are still too high), and we need to start generating serious plusvalenze with our players (which is what has been driving our mercato, including the sale of Cutrone).

Like it or not, even if all goes well, it will be a few years before we can expect to challenge for scudetto or compete at an international level beyond the group stage. For now, 4th place is our target this year, and even that will be tough (I am optimistic, but not comfortable we will get there).

The optimism I feel is relative to the past:
- The last years under B&G were a complete disaster (and have sunk us deep in a hole). Even the year we won our last scudetto we had already entered our downwards spiral, and it kept getting worse from there.
- The Chinese interlude was as bad (if not worse). Lots of optimism after what looked like a great mercato, but in hindsight we M&F picked the wrong players and overpaid them.
- Arguably Montella had a decent playing style, but it did not work for us (wrong players?) and he could not motivate the team (especially towards the end). Gattuso brought much needed grinta, but he was somewhat limited in his tactical approach.

What is different now?
- A coach who may not have a great track record but is rated highly by his peers and has a reputation for increasing player value (which in theory should help generate the plusvalenze we badly need). Y'all may not like the 4-3-1-2, but at least there is clarity in how we play, and our players seem to be adjusting to it. Hopefully Giampaolo's attacking style will be effective enough to see an end to the painful draws with lesser teams.
- A decent mercato strategy, which is oriented towards increasing the value of the team, and consistent with what our coach is asking for (this is different from what we had with B&G, I remember Leo asking for a winger for his 4-3-3 and getting Huntelaar instead; M&F were not much better, doubt it they paid much attention to Montella). Our new players may or may not work out, but this approach offers hope (and is definitely better than looking for "have beens" and other rejects and overpaying them).
- A new owner that is treating Milan as a medium term investment, trying to make decent money and not just turning the team around for a quick sale. Why does this matter? Because for the team to gain in value we will need to start getting results in the field. IMHO, Berlu never really treated Milan as a business (more like a "shiny toy" to help his political career and other business ventures), it was a "parking lot" for friends and family, and once he lost interest it all went downhill rather quickly. As for Li, I am sill trying to understand what he was trying to accomplish.
- New leaders that are well respected by fans and others in the soccer world. Please keep in mind that both M&B were quite negative in the last few years, so someone must have done a good job at convincing them that there is real hope. True, they do not have a lot of experience (especially Maldini), but there are people with experience behind them, and they help with the image of the club.

Bottom line ... patience :-)

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 8 2019, 03:53 AM

Kessie news is confusing me.
- Offer was made by Wolverhampton at 25.6M GBP (https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/08/02/report-wolves-make-256m-bid-for-ac-milan-ace-franck-kessie/)
- Offer was accepted by Milan at 25M EUR (https://www.spaziomilan.it/2019/08/milan-accettata-lofferta-per-kessie-i-dettagli/). I could find only the one source for this story, and on another fan site there is a claim this is "fake news".

We paid around 20M at the beginning of the market, not sure if that has been amortized. If I understand how FFP accounting works, I doubt Elliot would agree to sell unless there was a reasonable plusvalenza. Of course, I am an engineer, and never really understood accounting stuff. In any case, we find out tomorrow one way or another, as EPL market closes.

I still think Kessie has potential under Giampaolo (though I know some of you disagree :-)), and he has been one of our best performers in the last couple of years. Not sure I am happy with him leaving, even if he helps fund other purchases.

Posted by: TriniKing_CE Aug 8 2019, 06:35 AM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Aug 7 2019, 07:52 PM) *
That sums it up. :-) Add to it the fact that we need to rebuild in a way that does not cause us further FFP problems. This means we cannot afford big name signings (I keep hearing Modric, but I am not convinced it will really happen), we need to reduce our wage bill (some progress has been made towards this goal but we are still too high), and we need to start generating serious plusvalenze with our players (which is what has been driving our mercato, including the sale of Cutrone).

Like it or not, even if all goes well, it will be a few years before we can expect to challenge for scudetto or compete at an international level beyond the group stage. For now, 4th place is our target this year, and even that will be tough (I am optimistic, but not comfortable we will get there).

The optimism I feel is relative to the past:
- The last years under B&G were a complete disaster (and have sunk us deep in a hole). Even the year we won our last scudetto we had already entered our downwards spiral, and it kept getting worse from there.
- The Chinese interlude was as bad (if not worse). Lots of optimism after what looked like a great mercato, but in hindsight we M&F picked the wrong players and overpaid them.
- Arguably Montella had a decent playing style, but it did not work for us (wrong players?) and he could not motivate the team (especially towards the end). Gattuso brought much needed grinta, but he was somewhat limited in his tactical approach.

What is different now?
- A coach who may not have a great track record but is rated highly by his peers and has a reputation for increasing player value (which in theory should help generate the plusvalenze we badly need). Y'all may not like the 4-3-1-2, but at least there is clarity in how we play, and our players seem to be adjusting to it. Hopefully Giampaolo's attacking style will be effective enough to see an end to the painful draws with lesser teams.
- A decent mercato strategy, which is oriented towards increasing the value of the team, and consistent with what our coach is asking for (this is different from what we had with B&G, I remember Leo asking for a winger for his 4-3-3 and getting Huntelaar instead; M&F were not much better, doubt it they paid much attention to Montella). Our new players may or may not work out, but this approach offers hope (and is definitely better than looking for "have beens" and other rejects and overpaying them).
- A new owner that is treating Milan as a medium term investment, trying to make decent money and not just turning the team around for a quick sale. Why does this matter? Because for the team to gain in value we will need to start getting results in the field. IMHO, Berlu never really treated Milan as a business (more like a "shiny toy" to help his political career and other business ventures), it was a "parking lot" for friends and family, and once he lost interest it all went downhill rather quickly. As for Li, I am sill trying to understand what he was trying to accomplish.
- New leaders that are well respected by fans and others in the soccer world. Please keep in mind that both M&B were quite negative in the last few years, so someone must have done a good job at convincing them that there is real hope. True, they do not have a lot of experience (especially Maldini), but there are people with experience behind them, and they help with the image of the club.

Bottom line ... patience :-)

Lovely post... Agree with most (if not all). ;)

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Aug 8 2019, 09:16 AM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Aug 8 2019, 06:53 AM) *
Kessie news is confusing me.
- Offer was made by Wolverhampton at 25.6M GBP (https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/08/02/report-wolves-make-256m-bid-for-ac-milan-ace-franck-kessie/)
- Offer was accepted by Milan at 25M EUR (https://www.spaziomilan.it/2019/08/milan-accettata-lofferta-per-kessie-i-dettagli/). I could find only the one source for this story, and on another fan site there is a claim this is "fake news".

We paid around 20M at the beginning of the market, not sure if that has been amortized. If I understand how FFP accounting works, I doubt Elliot would agree to sell unless there was a reasonable plusvalenza. Of course, I am an engineer, and never really understood accounting stuff. In any case, we find out tomorrow one way or another, as EPL market closes.

I still think Kessie has potential under Giampaolo (though I know some of you disagree :-)), and he has been one of our best performers in the last couple of years Not sure I am happy with him leaving, even if he helps fund other purchases.


The 8M the club paid for a two year loan was amortized over the two years, but the outright purchase for 24M paid last month is why Kessie is on sale. The club want to remove that dent from their P&L.

This management at Milan Gazides and the President have a mandate to turn the club into profitability and in line with FFP.

Li wanted a quick turnaround and did expensive purchases that never really helped in the turnaround.

Silvio and Galliani are why we all became Milan fans, let us not discount that please. In their last years at the helm yes Milan was not what it used to be, but that was down to changing times and FFP kicking in.

Anyways whats done is done, this is a club downsizing to its reality.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 8 2019, 01:10 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Aug 8 2019, 03:53 AM) *
I still think Kessie has potential under Giampaolo (though I know some of you disagree :-)), and he has been one of our best performers in the last couple of years Not sure I am happy with him leaving, even if he helps fund other purchases.


Come again? Kessie has been perhaps the biggest disappointment of all the players signed by Fassone and Mirabelli two years ago, at least in my opinion.

I would have loved to see him go. That would have provided the money to sign a quality box-to-box mid.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 8 2019, 03:06 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Aug 8 2019, 10:16 AM) *
The 8M the club paid for a two year loan was amortized over the two years, but the outright purchase for 24M paid last month is why Kessie is on sale. The club want to remove that dent from their P&L.

Thanks, that clarifies matters. So (if I get this right) the 24M is not amortized and we would (most likely) be looking for a profit on that. In fact the latest news has the offer at 30M (EUR), which makes more sense (https://www.calciomercato.com/news/il-wolverhampton-piomba-su-kessie-si-del-milan-ma-lui-non-e-conv-18780), that would give us enough of a plusvalenza to fund some of the other acquisitions. In any case it does not look like Kessie wants to go there, and there is not much time before EPL closes its transfer window.

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Aug 8 2019, 10:16 AM) *
Silvio and Galliani are why we all became Milan fans, let us not discount that please. In their last years at the helm yes Milan was not what it used to be, but that was down to changing times and FFP kicking in.

For the record, I was a Milan fan in the days of Gianni Rivera and Nereo Rocco :-). But yes, I am extremely grateful for all the good years, especially considering what had been happening to my team before Berlu took over. It does not take away the fact that the last years were a complete disaster. Even with decreased funds and FFP and changing times B&G could have handled things much, much better. The mis-management of the club, the horrible choices on players, the obsession with "parametro zero" coupled with ridiculously high salaries, the sale to Li ... all of this could have been avoided.

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 8 2019, 02:10 PM) *
Come again? Kessie has been perhaps the biggest disappointment of all the players signed by Fassone and Mirabelli two years ago, at least in my opinion.

A number of Milan fans (me included) would disagree with your assessment of Kessie :-). As for "biggest disappointment", surely that goes to either Silva or Bonucci.

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 8 2019, 02:10 PM) *
I would have loved to see him go. That would have provided the money to sign a quality box-to-box mid.

As I said, I have mixed feelings. First of all, my guess is the plusvalenza is going to contribute to funding Correa, not a b2b mid. But assuming we were after a b2b mid, who would we sign for similar money?

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 8 2019, 03:13 PM

Bonucci was not a disappointment. He had a fairly decent season. And Siva was a question mark when we signed him, so we didn't really know what to expect.

But Kessie was coming from a great season with Atalanta, and he had been amazing in the pre-season friendlies and the first few games of the season. But then he started going into a downward spiral and his overall contribution has been quite poor.

Posted by: William405 Aug 8 2019, 03:30 PM

I always thought Kessie did okay. Yes, he does stupid stuff. But, he contributes a lot too. The main problem is that he makes great runs, but his decision making is terrible at the end. He either doesn't manage to score or to pass. But, I still think he can be good in Giamp's system.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 8 2019, 05:08 PM

EPL transfer window closed, Kessie at Wolves either did not close in time or was fake news in the first place.

Kessie under Gasperinini was quite good
Kessie under Montella and Rino was not nearly as good (though I still think there are games where he carried the team)

Could it have something to do with the coach? Or do y'all thin there is no hope ...

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 8 2019, 07:04 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Aug 8 2019, 05:08 PM) *
EPL transfer window closed, Kessie at Wolves either did not close in time or was fake news in the first place.

Kessie under Gasperinini was quite good
Kessie under Montella and Rino was not nearly as good (though I still think there are games where he carried the team)

Could it have something to do with the coach? Or do y'all thin there is no hope ...


It has to do with his intelligence as a football player, and furthermore with his position on the pitch. It's OK having him in a double pivot in front of the defense (the position he covered at Atalanta), but when he's pushed in centre midfield, which requires pushing forward as well, that's when he starts to show his limits.

Because, as William said, his decision making in the end is terrible, and it ends up squandering our attacks.

As things are right now, I'd try Krunic instead of Kessie as starter.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 8 2019, 09:29 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 7 2019, 08:35 PM) *
Fillipo, you always talk as if we're still this great club that's having a number of bad seasons and needs to get back on track.

No, we're not a great club anymore. Context. Perspective. Italians use the word "ridimensionati", which literally translates to resized. We haven't played in the CL for 6 frigging years! So, given the circumstances, and given how we performed last season missing 4th place by a single point, I personally have to say that we've gotten stronger this summer and that I'm optimistic for a CL position next season.

Who even thinks about contesting the Scudetto for crying out loud!

This is because we obviously do not share the same definition of greatness (for a club). I think Milan will always be a great club, at least for the next 10-20 years. We have history and history matters/adds value. We're simply too big and have too much history to go under like Leeds, Nott Forest or even Hamburger SV did. For me this is a period of continued crisis, always waiting for the rescue.

That being said, perhaps Maldini and Boban along with Elliot are the decisive step forward. Some very good moves have been made in terms of staff and management - bringing back people like Bonera or Dida is the right move, Massara is also o good decision for once.

But the transfer policy is so far not that good. We decided to move out of Europe in order to retain some wiggle-room. But up until this point we've made several moves concerning depth, yet we did not take a stance on important issues and the so-much needed quality. Moves like the Correa deal could be the right path, but the deal seems to have stalled or died off completely. We also (up until now) completely failed when it comes to departures. We lost Abate and Zapata unnecessarily. We got rid of some really bad players in midfield but so far we haven't been able to sell Kessie, Biglia or Silva (a deal which is now haunted by mystery). Even Rodriguez seems to be unsellable (or why should we keep him now that we have Theo and Strinić and Laxalt; his value will only be dropping?).

So you see, all of this makes me still very cautious. I'm not sold on the project yet, and unlike you I don't tend to consider the likes of Krunić and Bennacer to be big changes simply because I know little of them and still need to see their quality.

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 8 2019, 03:10 PM) *
Come again? Kessie has been perhaps the biggest disappointment of all the players signed by Fassone and Mirabelli two years ago, at least in my opinion.

Well, I disagree because I never expected anything out of him. He was a talent with a good season at a club whose manager tends to bring out the best of his players and usually makes them look better then they really are.

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 8 2019, 05:13 PM) *
Bonucci was not a disappointment. He had a fairly decent season. And Siva was a question mark when we signed him, so we didn't really know what to expect.

But Kessie was coming from a great season with Atalanta, and he had been amazing in the pre-season friendlies and the first few games of the season. But then he started going into a downward spiral and his overall contribution has been quite poor.

Really? I completely disagree with your assessment here. Bonucci had a decent season? Good god, for the amount we squashed on him and his caliber he had a terrible season. He failed on all departments and was not the leader or the smart and reliable defender we needed at all.

Also, the hype around Silva was considerably bigger then Kessie for some reason. Everyone talked about his brilliant record and no one wanted to hear what Danny and I were pointing to.

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Aug 8 2019, 07:08 PM) *
EPL transfer window closed, Kessie at Wolves either did not close in time or was fake news in the first place.

Kessie under Gasperinini was quite good
Kessie under Montella and Rino was not nearly as good (though I still think there are games where he carried the team)

Could it have something to do with the coach? Or do y'all thin there is no hope ...

Like X-O said, the problem with Kessie is that he's just unintelligent and there's little room for improvement. Also, he's a type of "jack of all trades, master of none" player. He's ideal for Atalanta with lot's of different jobs to do or cover, but at Milan - a club that thrives on a certain system he's pretty much useless because he adds no specific quality like for example Bakayoko instantly did.

Posted by: Danny Aug 8 2019, 09:30 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 8 2019, 03:13 PM) *
Bonucci was not a disappointment.


We're not all zipped up from behind mate.

QUOTE
And Siva was a question mark when we signed him, so we didn't really know what to expect.


Except me smile.gif

Posted by: William405 Aug 8 2019, 09:39 PM

Inter bought Lukaku for 75 mill. How is that possible? XD

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 9 2019, 01:27 AM

QUOTE (William405 @ Aug 8 2019, 10:39 PM) *
Inter bought Lukaku for 75 mill. How is that possible? XD

Unlike us, they worked through their FFP problems and also qualified for CL.

Now, is Lukaku worth that kind of money? I think not.

Posted by: William405 Aug 9 2019, 11:21 AM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Aug 9 2019, 03:27 AM) *
Unlike us, they worked through their FFP problems and also qualified for CL.

Now, is Lukaku worth that kind of money? I think not.


Not so sure. But, he is still young. Arguably getting closer to the peak of his career..and Conte will surely get the best out of him.

Posted by: Danny Aug 9 2019, 12:36 PM

Lukaku is probably the most overrated club striker in world football. He peaked at Everton. 12 in 32 for Man Utd last season... 14 in 34 the season before.

Everton he was regularly getting 18+ for a team who created much less.

This guy is living on his reputation from his Everton days. And for his admittedly fine goal return for his country.

I would have been so upset if we'd wasted 70M on him.

Posted by: Danny Aug 9 2019, 12:37 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Aug 9 2019, 01:27 AM) *
Unlike us, they worked through their FFP problems and also qualified for CL.


You implying we're not well run ;)

QUOTE
Now, is Lukaku worth that kind of money? I think not.


tbh anyone with any sense wouldn't.

Posted by: William405 Aug 9 2019, 01:54 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Aug 9 2019, 02:36 PM) *
Lukaku is probably the most overrated club striker in world football. He peaked at Everton. 12 in 32 for Man Utd last season... 14 in 34 the season before.

Everton he was regularly getting 18+ for a team who created much less.

This guy is living on his reputation from his Everton days. And for his admittedly fine goal return for his country.

I would have been so upset if we'd wasted 70M on him.


Agreed. But, Man U weren't doing so well either. I think he could work in Italy where the pace of football is slower and relies on physicality.

Posted by: Danny Aug 9 2019, 04:47 PM

QUOTE (William405 @ Aug 9 2019, 01:54 PM) *
Agreed. But, Man U weren't doing so well either.


They finished higher than Everton did when he was in Everton's team!

QUOTE
I think he could work in Italy where the pace of football is slower and relies on physicality.


Fair point, still see him as totally overrated but hey what do I know.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 9 2019, 05:25 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 8 2019, 09:29 PM) *
Well, I disagree because I never expected anything out of him. He was a talent with a good season at a club whose manager tends to bring out the best of his players and usually makes them look better then they really are.


But he was coming from an excellent season in Serie A, so obviously that creates expectations. Add to that the really good summer with us, and you realise why many Milan fans consider his output over the last two years a big disappointment.

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 8 2019, 09:29 PM) *
Really? I completely disagree with your assessment here. Bonucci had a decent season? Good god, for the amount we squashed on him and his caliber he had a terrible season. He failed on all departments and was not the leader or the smart and reliable defender we needed at all.

Also, the hype around Silva was considerably bigger then Kessie for some reason. Everyone talked about his brilliant record and no one wanted to hear what Danny and I were pointing to.


Well then, let's agree to disagree. Bonucci had a decent season IMO. He didn't exactly recall Nesta with his performances, but he was far from being terrible.

As for Silva, I honestly had never heard of him before we signed him. So, any hype was manufactured and not real. He was a disappointment given how much money we spent on him, but not because he didn't live up to built expectations.

I also agree with Danny about Lukaku. What a waste of 75M for Inter.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Aug 10 2019, 06:46 PM

It seems Milan need to offload Kessie, Donna and/or Silva before any more signings happen. So although there might be developments behind the scenes, Milan need to raise funds and lower the wage tab.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 11 2019, 11:26 AM

News of this morning is that Fiorentina have made an offer for Suso, still inferior to our 30M request, but there might be room for negotiations.

I'm really getting annoyed at all these rumours concerning Suso. Basically the only player in our roster who can make a difference right now, and it's like we can't wait to get rid of him. And everything to sign Correa? Meh, just meh.

Posted by: Danny Aug 11 2019, 12:36 PM

30M? I'm not saying he's a great player, because he isn't, but that's all we want?! We could easily get 3 times that.

Posted by: William405 Aug 12 2019, 12:44 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 11 2019, 01:26 PM) *
News of this morning is that Fiorentina have made an offer for Suso, still inferior to our 30M request, but there might be room for negotiations.

I'm really getting annoyed at all these rumours concerning Suso. Basically the only player in our roster who can make a difference right now, and it's like we can't wait to get rid of him. And everything to sign Correa? Meh, just meh.


Losing Suso at this point would be wierd. I'd understand if we sold him for a good price at the start of the transfer window..but now it is too late. Same thing with respect to Donnaruma.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 12 2019, 01:30 PM

If we get Navas for Donna and cash, hmh. I'd say yes.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 12 2019, 01:46 PM

Rumours about an interest in Bruno Fernandes of Sporting (AM, can play SS as well).

Their request: 70M. We might lower their demands by inserting Silva in the deal.

The guy comes from a season where he scored 31 goals and assisted 17 in 50 games, an absolute record. He's 24 and also has Serie A experience.

https://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/mercato/milan/mercato-milan-suggestione-bruno-fernandes-trattativa-difficile-andr-silva-contropartita_7203945-201902a.shtml

Posted by: Danny Aug 12 2019, 02:52 PM

What's with our obsession for signing from Portugal?

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Aug 12 2019, 06:22 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Aug 12 2019, 03:52 PM) *
What's with our obsession for signing from Portugal?

Super agent Mendes?

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 12 2019, 06:27 PM

Fernandes seems to be the real deal, though. Great talent and superb stats. Would be too good to come true.

Posted by: William405 Aug 12 2019, 09:45 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 12 2019, 03:46 PM) *
Rumours about an interest in Bruno Fernandes of Sporting (AM, can play SS as well).

Their request: 70M. We might lower their demands by inserting Silva in the deal.

The guy comes from a season where he scored 31 goals and assisted 17 in 50 games, an absolute record. He's 24 and also has Serie A experience.

https://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/mercato/milan/mercato-milan-suggestione-bruno-fernandes-trattativa-difficile-andr-silva-contropartita_7203945-201902a.shtml


i like it

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 12 2019, 10:54 PM

70M based on one good season. Hmh,...

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 12 2019, 11:14 PM

In a world where Maguire cost 87M and Lukaku 65M, nothing really surprises me anymore.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Aug 13 2019, 06:14 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 13 2019, 01:54 AM) *
70M based on one good season. Hmh,...


I’v noticed a lot of emphasis is on the middle of the park, which is one area Milan is definitely lacking in. Also it is something that needs to be reinforced if Giampaolo is going to make the 4-3-1-2 work.

On another note, this new Brazilian defender we got I just checked some of the youtube compilations and the kid definitely shows some promise. Also why do I sense this has Paolo Maldini ‘approved’ stamped on it smile.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 13 2019, 09:45 AM

The Fernandes rumor died off it seems. Now I see lots of talk that Donnarumma might leave for PSG in a 50M deal and we might reinvest the money in Isco (70M) or James (45M). Correa seems to be off.

Posted by: William405 Aug 13 2019, 10:38 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 13 2019, 11:45 AM) *
The Fernandes rumor died off it seems. Now I see lots of talk that Donnarumma might leave for PSG in a 50M deal and we might reinvest the money in Isco (70M) or James (45M). Correa seems to be off.


I would love to have Isco!

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 13 2019, 10:58 AM

Or even James for that matter.

Posted by: William405 Aug 13 2019, 12:40 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 13 2019, 12:58 PM) *
Or even James for that matter.


Yes. Why not? Both would be an immense leap in quality. Also, they are both not wanted by their team.


Posted by: X-Offender Aug 13 2019, 01:56 PM

Rumors about possible departures:

Silva to Espanyol
Rodriguez to Schalke
Conti to Werder Bremen
Castillejo to Villareal

Not sure about the Conti rumors (Parma were also interested a few days ago). I mean, if he leaves, we’d have only Calabria as RB...

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 13 2019, 04:33 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 13 2019, 02:56 PM) *
Rumors about possible departures:

Silva to Espanyol
Rodriguez to Schalke
Conti to Werder Bremen
Castillejo to Villareal

Not sure about the Conti rumors (Parma were also interested a few days ago). I mean, if he leaves, we’d have only Calabria as RB...

Conti and Rodriguez make good backups, so I have mixed feelings. OTOH, Silva and Samu ... good riddance.

Problems:
- Conti and Samu have said multiple time they do not want to leave
- If I understand FFP, we cannot afford minusvalenze on any sale (which makes getting rid of some of our unwanted players that much harder)

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 13 2019, 04:41 PM

Maybe we're counting on Strinić or Laxalt to cover the RB? But yes, you're right, it wouldn't be very good to do this. Also, I've read that we don't want to sell Conti and rejected Werder outright.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 15 2019, 03:40 AM

Not much happening. All the news seems a re-hashing of what we have been hearing the last few weeks.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 15 2019, 08:56 AM

I think the problem is we lack money. And for some reason we're not especially good at selling/offloading our players this summer.

I mean is it so hard for us to find a buyer for Silva and Rodriguez?

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 15 2019, 12:14 PM

Looks like the following will happen, according to Mediaset:

Atletico will sign Rodrigo from Valencia for 60M
We’ll sign Correa from Atletico for 45M + bonuses
Valencia will sign Silva from us for 25M.

Posted by: William405 Aug 15 2019, 01:23 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 15 2019, 02:14 PM) *
Looks like the following will happen, according to Mediaset:

Atletico will sign Rodrigo from Valencia for 60M
We’ll sign Correa from Atletico for 45M + bonuses
Valencia will sign Silva from us for 25M.


25mil..that's peanuts!

Posted by: TriniKing_CE Aug 15 2019, 03:44 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 15 2019, 04:56 AM) *
I think the problem is we lack money. And for some reason we're not especially good at selling/offloading our players this summer.

I mean is it so hard for us to find a buyer for Silva and Rodriguez?

I don't get why we'd want to sell Rodriguez, sure he was one of our weaker spots last season, but he is also the preferred backup to Hernandez.

Silva isn't that impressive and we paid quite a bit for him, he was always going to be fairly difficult to offload if we are hoping to recover the majority share of what we purchased him for.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 15 2019, 04:23 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 15 2019, 09:56 AM) *
I think the problem is we lack money. And for some reason we're not especially good at selling/offloading our players this summer.

I mean is it so hard for us to find a buyer for Silva and Rodriguez?

I do not think the problem is lack of money, Elliott has money and seems willing to invest. Rather, the problem is staying inside of FFP parameters, which is why selling Slivia and Castillejo and others is hard. Based on my understanding of FFP (which I admit is limited), registering a "minusvalenza" hurts us, which means we need to sell above the amortized cost of the player (using X-Offender's example from a different post, we bought Castillejo for 25M, a year has gone by so his book value now is 20M; Silva's book value is close to 23M if my math is correct). What's making things hard is the need to get a plusvalenza (even a small one).

I think the story is with RR may be different. Perhaps we want to keep him to provide some depth. OTOH, I think he would be far easier to sell than Laxalt or Strinic, and we have too many players competing for one role.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 15 2019, 04:26 PM

QUOTE (William405 @ Aug 15 2019, 02:23 PM) *
25mil..that's peanuts!

It's above book value, sell !!!

I have to admit that I find Silva frustrating. I believe he has the talent, he just has no real drive, as far as I can tell. A part of me says "keep him, maybe GP can work his magic, he can score lots of goals for us and we can sell him for decent money". However, I fear that it will not work out that way.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 15 2019, 04:31 PM

QUOTE (TriniKing_CE @ Aug 15 2019, 04:44 PM) *
I don't get why we'd want to sell Rodriguez, sure he was one of our weaker spots last season, but he is also the preferred backup to Hernandez.

Silva isn't that impressive and we paid quite a bit for him, he was always going to be fairly difficult to offload if we are hoping to recover the majority share of what we purchased him for.

Above book value is all we need, I think (and that's 23M if my math is correct). Even that appears to be difficult, though. The stunt he pulled at Seville (pretending to be injured) did not help his marketability.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 15 2019, 04:38 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 15 2019, 01:14 PM) *
Looks like the following will happen, according to Mediaset:

Atletico will sign Rodrigo from Valencia for 60M
We’ll sign Correa from Atletico for 45M + bonuses
Valencia will sign Silva from us for 25M.

These are the news stories we are going to get throughout the day:

"Something is happening in the Correa negotiation, his agent is in <Milano / Madrid>"

"Milan is hopeful, as Correa says he only wants Milan"

"Atleti are unhappy, because Monaco is ready with an offer for 55M, but Correa has rejected the move"

"Negotiation has stalled, Milan does not want to pay more than 40M + bonus, Atleti insists on 55M"

<repeat>
<repeat>
<repeat>


EDIT: should add, all news sources appear to be equally clueless ...

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 15 2019, 09:56 PM

Sounds like the Rodrigo deal fell apart (which probably means we do not sell Silva). Correa deal apparently is still in the making.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 16 2019, 12:05 PM

Atletico are asking 55M for Correa whereas we offer 38 + bonuses because we believe that’s the actual value of the player./Sky

You know, I don’t blame Boban and Maldini. Atletico are thinking in terms of the overall craze of the current prices all around, but realistically speaking, Correa is not worth more than 40M.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Aug 16 2019, 01:30 PM

Our offer i think is very decent

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 16 2019, 02:13 PM

30 goals in 178 games, bench player at Atletico. You can shove those 55M up your bum.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 16 2019, 08:13 PM

More of the same on the Correa saga, Laxalt may or may not leave, but not much else happening. Starting to get increasingly concerned that this may be it for our mercato. Trying to stay patient, keep telling myself that most M&B's deals have come with little warning, keep telling myself there still is time, but ...

On the trequartista, was reading up on Giampaolo's teams, and he has relied on Saponara quite a bit in that role (Empoli and Samp). So perhaps he sees Suso as an "upgrade", which is why he appears to be keen on him. Not sure what to make of that.

In any case, biggest hole IMHO at this point is our attack. Piatek and Leao (with Castillejo, Borini, and maybe Silva as backup) feels somewhat ... limited (an yes, I realize Fillipo has been making that same point on another thread).

Next biggest hole, defense. We were 3rd best last year but Rino played defensively while Giampaolo is supposed to be more attack-minded, so we are likely to be more exposed. We are covered on the left (even if Laxalt does leave). On the right I am worried about Conti coming back from injury (so we may have to rely on Calabria), and in the center Roma is solid, Caldara may or may not come back in full from injury plus adjust to a new system, so we are down to Duarte (unproven) and Musacchio (too error prone).

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 16 2019, 08:45 PM

If you keep thinking like that, then our team is full of holes. Which it is. Many players we have are not good enough. But the point is to take it for what it is and hope the few new signings we've made this summer will only strengthen us from last season. Plus hope that Giampaolo proves to be a capable coach.

I never expected us to make miracles in this signing campaign given we are coming from the biggest financial loss in many, many years and also being kicked out from Europe. But considering the limited resources, I think Boban and Maldini have done a decent job. Obviously we still need 1/2 quality signings, so here's to hoping for that.

Posted by: Danny Aug 16 2019, 10:33 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 16 2019, 02:13 PM) *
30 goals in 178 games, bench player at Atletico. You can shove those 55M up your bum.


You say that only because we can't afford it. This crazy is the new normal.

Players aren't worth the asking price, the selling club just has the power to get what they want now.

Harry Maguire for 80M?! It stopped making sense a long time ago.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 17 2019, 01:14 AM

One thing I like about the new regime is that we do not cave in on ridiculous demands, at least not easily. We saw that with Veretaut, with Bennacer (salary negotiation with agent), and now with Correa. At the end we may give in some, but by holding firm we are sending a strong message. M&F (and arguably Leo) operated differently.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 17 2019, 09:14 AM

Agreed.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 17 2019, 09:15 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 16 2019, 10:45 PM) *
If you keep thinking like that, then our team is full of holes. Which it is. Many players we have are not good enough. But the point is to take it for what it is and hope the few new signings we've made this summer will only strengthen us from last season. Plus hope that Giampaolo proves to be a capable coach.

I never expected us to make miracles in this signing campaign given we are coming from the biggest financial loss in many, many years and also being kicked out from Europe. But considering the limited resources, I think Boban and Maldini have done a decent job. Obviously we still need 1/2 quality signings, so here's to hoping for that.

Wow, you just basically said that all good things lie in hope. Don't get me wrong, I agree with you. But having it said that bluntly makes me expect even less.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 17 2019, 10:34 AM

Well, given that all our signings (Duarte, Hernandez, Bennacer, Krunic, Leao) have everything to prove yet, hope is kind of what we have to do at this point.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 18 2019, 06:26 PM

Rumors about a potential http://Silva-Schick. Not convinced this an improvement, but Silva seems to have no drive and Schick did well under GP.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 18 2019, 06:35 PM

Apparently, I am not the only one who is not impressed by Suso in the TQ role (https://www.milannews.it/l-editoriale/bilancio-estivo-niente-drammi-ma-in-attacco-urgono-rinforzi-342821):

QUOTE
Suso adattato a trequartista è un azzardo che, se confermato, alla lunga non porterà benefici, anzi. Per il ruolo serve uno specialista, lo spagnolo non lo è

(Translation: Suso cast as a trequartista is a gamble that, if confirmed, long term will not bring benefits. You need a specialist for the role, and the Spaniard is not.)

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 18 2019, 06:55 PM

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Aug 18 2019, 06:26 PM) *
Rumors about a potential http://Silva-Schick. Not convinced this an improvement, but Silva seems to have no drive and Schick did well under GP.


For me that is an improvement. Not that I really care that much about Schick to be honest.

QUOTE (Forza Milan! @ Aug 18 2019, 06:35 PM) *
Apparently, I am not the only one who is not impressed by Suso in the TQ role (https://www.milannews.it/l-editoriale/bilancio-estivo-niente-drammi-ma-in-attacco-urgono-rinforzi-342821):

(Translation: Suso cast as a trequartista is a gamble that, if confirmed, long term will not bring benefits. You need a specialist for the role, and the Spaniard is not.)


This is a difficult topic.

On one hand, I fully agree that Suso is not the best player to have there. He's a left-footed, right-winger who thrives in that position, kind of like Robben, just as an example.

Besides, we have players like Hakan and Paqueta who are more suited to play as trequartista.

On the other hand, though, for me Suso is a priceless player to have. Yes, I know that many fans like Danny and Fillipo don't rate him, and I'm not saying he's world class, but given the quality of players we have at disposal, you just can't keep someone like him out.

Bottom line is, unless a good offer comes and we ship him out for a replacement, I just can't see us refraining ourselves from the quality and creativity that Suso brings to the table, even if it's in a position that's not exactly his forte.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 18 2019, 06:56 PM

We should not blow out of proportion Suso's TQ play. I mean he had one good friendly game and perhaps the one in Kosovo but that's hardly important. MilanNews also jumped the gun with him being marked as very good for the TQ.

I'm not convinced he's good for that position and agree with Han, he's too selfish and too self-centered to fulfill his main duties.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 18 2019, 07:10 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 18 2019, 06:56 PM) *
We should not blow out of proportion Suso's TQ play. I mean he had one good friendly game and perhaps the one in Kosovo but that's hardly important. MilanNews also jumped the gun with him being marked as very good for the TQ.

I'm not convinced he's good for that position and agree with Han, he's too selfish and too self-centered to fulfill his main duties.


I don't buy this. There may be many reasons why he may not fulfil his duties, but selfishness is not one of them.

Posted by: Danny Aug 18 2019, 08:34 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 18 2019, 06:56 PM) *
We should not blow out of proportion Suso's TQ play. I mean he had one good friendly game and perhaps the one in Kosovo but that's hardly important. MilanNews also jumped the gun with him being marked as very good for the TQ.

I'm not convinced he's good for that position and agree with Han, he's too selfish and too self-centered to fulfill his main duties.


It was me wink.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 18 2019, 08:36 PM

Sorry, missed that one smile.gif

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 19 2019, 10:37 AM

Not Milan related, but has anyone seen Joao Felix? Probably the best player in the world for the next 10 years alongside Mbappe. Atletico have done it again.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Aug 19 2019, 11:48 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 19 2019, 11:37 AM) *
Not Milan related, but has anyone seen Joao Felix? Probably the best player in the world for the next 10 years alongside Mbappe. Atletico have done it again.

nope but he has been hyped as the next big thing

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 19 2019, 01:30 PM

But Atletico is really admirable. How shrewd their operations work and how many talents they tend to discover/land. It's really a great model.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 19 2019, 01:40 PM

True, but this time they paid something like 120M.

Posted by: Danny Aug 19 2019, 01:44 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 19 2019, 10:37 AM) *
Not Milan related, but has anyone seen Joao Felix? Probably the best player in the world for the next 10 years alongside Mbappe. Atletico have done it again.


tbf Atletico did nothing. Benfica did it all then banked themselves £130M. Usually Atleti get these guys for minimal outlay then sell at a horrific profit. Falcao, Aguero, Torres, Forlan etc. This time they're paying standard market rate for a world class player. Only got him for that price mind you because he's only 19.

The guy's numbers, for a 19 year old, are absolutely unreal. 26 league apparances, 15 goals and 9 assists.

You're right about Mbappe, I pegged him for the world's best striker when he merely broke through at 18. He was remarkable and it was clear he would be the best unequivocally. He's already a world cup winner.

About as good as they get.


Posted by: Forza Milan! Aug 19 2019, 03:35 PM

QUOTE
Fabio Capello has expressed doubts about Suso’s new position, speaking in an interview with Quotidiano Sportivo: “For me, he is a winger. I don’t know if he can become a playmaker”

(https://onefootball.com/en/news/capello-expresses-doubt-about-susos-new-role-en-26842623?variable=20190819)

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 19 2019, 04:21 PM

Surely he can't. That something clubs used to do in the 80s and 90s, turning wingers into TQ and such. But nowadays... I really don't think so. What a mess, we're starting the season almost completely unprepared and unequipped.

Posted by: William405 Aug 19 2019, 07:50 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 19 2019, 12:37 PM) *
Not Milan related, but has anyone seen Joao Felix? Probably the best player in the world for the next 10 years alongside Mbappe. Atletico have done it again.


Damn. I saw a highlight. He looks incredible.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 19 2019, 10:20 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 19 2019, 04:21 PM) *
Surely he can't. That something clubs used to do in the 80s and 90s, turning wingers into TQ and such. But nowadays... I really don't think so. What a mess, we're starting the season almost completely unprepared and unequipped.


Well, only two years ago Sarri turned Mertens from winger to CF and he scored a shitload of goals. Or Pirlo from trequartista to DM. Same with Pjanic.

Players do evolve and change roles, it has nothing to do with the 80s and 90s. Whether it will work for Suso, that's a big question. Sometimes I think he can pull it off, sometimes I think we should have signed a proper trequartista instead. But I agree that starting the season with such a big question mark is not a good thing.

Hopefully we can sign Correa.

QUOTE (William405 @ Aug 19 2019, 07:50 PM) *
Damn. I saw a highlight. He looks incredible.


Him and Mbappe will become the new Messi and Ronaldo.

For Mbappe's sake, I hope he leaves PSG.

Posted by: TriniKing_CE Aug 20 2019, 12:44 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 19 2019, 06:20 PM) *
Well, only two years ago Sarri turned Mertens from winger to CF and he scored a shitload of goals. Or Pirlo from trequartista to DM. Same with Pjanic.

Players do evolve and change roles, it has nothing to do with the 80s and 90s. Whether it will work for Suso, that's a big question. Sometimes I think he can pull it off, sometimes I think we should have signed a proper trequartista instead. But I agree that starting the season with such a big question mark is not a good thing.

Hopefully we can sign Correa.


We also have Bonaventura... 🤷‍♂️

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 20 2019, 11:31 AM

QUOTE (TriniKing_CE @ Aug 20 2019, 12:44 AM) *
We also have Bonaventura... 🤷‍♂️


Bonaventura was terrible for two years before his injury. Doubt he can make a difference now.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 20 2019, 09:35 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 20 2019, 12:20 AM) *
Well, only two years ago Sarri turned Mertens from winger to CF and he scored a shitload of goals. Or Pirlo from trequartista to DM. Same with Pjanic.

Players do evolve and change roles, it has nothing to do with the 80s and 90s. Whether it will work for Suso, that's a big question. Sometimes I think he can pull it off, sometimes I think we should have signed a proper trequartista instead. But I agree that starting the season with such a big question mark is not a good thing.

Hopefully we can sign Correa.

Pirlo's switch happened almost 20 years ago. I'll give you Mertens but it's more of a rarity nowadays.

I think we're in a terrible mess. The coach want's to play a certain, specific, antiquated and more complicated system but I somehow doubt we're even half-way equipped for this. Sure, Bennacer might turn out good, and sure Krunić might be okay (I doubt this very much, but let's assume). But we still lack the true possession DM like Ambrosini or more recently Bakayoko. I don't think Bennacer alone is gonna cut it and Kessie...well I don't expect anything out of him. Next we still lack creativity even though we have a bunch of players who are creative, but we don't know where exactly to deploy them in the new system. Next we need a TQ but none of the options (and we have a bunch of them) feels extremely comfortable in this position nor did our test matches (Serie C team, Kosovo team, American tour too far off - why don't we play something like the Berlusconi Cup anymore, with Inter and Juve??). A next we lack the gem player that connects the TQ and Piatek. Not to speak that if Piatek gets injured we have no other sub then the Leao kid. And we still got a bunch of players that are either useless or surplus to our system. If this would be mid-July I'd say were doing okay, but hell...

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 20 2019, 01:31 PM) *
Bonaventura was terrible for two years before his injury. Doubt he can make a difference now.

Bona wasn't terrible, that's a harsh overstatement. He was good and also never really got the chance to play in midfield.

Posted by: Danny Aug 20 2019, 10:14 PM

Pirlo was NEVER a DM.

He was a completely new position made more or less for him by Carlo in regista. I know our glory days are a bit behind us now but let's not turn Pirlo into something he definitely wasn't.

Guy couldn't defend for toffee (!)

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 23 2019, 11:36 AM

The thing that doesn't get in my head is why have we splashed 30M for Leao as a potential sub player all the while we are only 10M short for Correa who seems to be our top priority because we're not giving up on him? How does this make sense?

Yes, we expected Silva and maybe Castillejo to be sold. But why not invest first in Correa, and then if and only if we have the chance grab Leao as well? I'd be more then fine with Piatek and Correa as first strings and a experienced but much cheaper sub then now lacking one of the key ingredients.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 23 2019, 11:52 AM

News today from L’Equipe that we have reached an agreement with Monaco for Kessie for 35M. Need to convince the player.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 23 2019, 11:54 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 23 2019, 11:36 AM) *
The thing that doesn't get in my head is why have we splashed 30M for Leao as a potential sub player all the while we are only 10M short for Correa who seems to be our top priority because we're not giving up on him? How does this make sense?

Yes, we expected Silva and maybe Castillejo to be sold. But why not invest first in Correa, and then if and only if we have the chance grab Leao as well? I'd be more then fine with Piatek and Correa as first strings and a experienced but much cheaper sub then now lacking one of the key ingredients.


But Leao is a great prospect. His former coach at Sporting said a few days ago that he’s shown the same potential that Cristiano had at his age. So, here’s to hoping...

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 23 2019, 11:57 AM

QUOTE (Danny @ Aug 20 2019, 10:14 PM) *
Pirlo was NEVER a DM.

He was a completely new position made more or less for him by Carlo in regista. I know our glory days are a bit behind us now but let's not turn Pirlo into something he definitely wasn't.

Guy couldn't defend for toffee (!)


He switched from trequartista in his Inter and Brescia days to playing in front of the defense for the rest of his career. His transformation is one of the biggest and most influential in recent football history. Call it whatever you want, but I was trying to make a point.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 23 2019, 01:13 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 23 2019, 01:54 PM) *
But Leao is a great prospect. His former coach at Sporting said a few days ago that he’s shown the same potential that Cristiano had at his age. So, here’s to hoping...

Same was told about Silva. I doubt that he’s anywhere near that kind of talent but anyway... Is yet another prospect what we really need the most? We’re a team filled with prospects and talents. Leao won’t have the same immediate impact that Correa would have made. So I think it’s just another blunder.

Posted by: William405 Aug 23 2019, 07:48 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 23 2019, 03:13 PM) *
Same was told about Silva. I doubt that he’s anywhere near that kind of talent but anyway... Is yet another prospect what we really need the most? We’re a team filled with prospects and talents. Leao won’t have the same immediate impact that Correa would have made. So I think it’s just another blunder.


Totally agreed. Unless we manage to sign Correa that is.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 23 2019, 08:14 PM

I must say Maldini and Boban disappointed me. Leonardo at least tried, he gave a fair chance with Higuain and especially signing Paqueta.

This summer has been a complete mess.

Posted by: Danny Aug 23 2019, 09:52 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 23 2019, 11:57 AM) *
He switched from trequartista in his Inter and Brescia days to playing in front of the defense for the rest of his career. His transformation is one of the biggest and most influential in recent football history. Call it whatever you want, but I was trying to make a point.


True, but I was just trying to be exact over what he was. And that wasn't a DM. You're dead right with your point, Carlo created a whole new brand of football with him.

It was as significant in the early noughties as Pep's tiki taka was a decade or so later.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 28 2019, 12:10 AM

Man, I've never seen anything as confusing as this Milan-Correa saga that's been going on for, what, over a month now? Every f*cking day they report different news. One day it's a done deal, the next it's not. If you don't have anything constructive to say, then don't say anything at all! I hate journalists.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 28 2019, 01:19 AM

And I hate incompetent administrations 🤭

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 28 2019, 05:34 PM

Inter have signed Alexis Sanchez as well, on loan. United will even pay 7M of his 12M salary.

Why the hell couldn't we land a signing like that? The guy would have been perfect.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Aug 28 2019, 06:11 PM

Because they have a manager with whom they can challenge for the league. We on the other hand at best are targeting 4th only

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 28 2019, 07:02 PM

Or it's because they have Beppe Marotta and we have to managerial rookies whose credentials are club legends and Sky sports commentator?

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 28 2019, 07:05 PM

Good point.

Posted by: Danny Aug 29 2019, 01:35 AM

Sanchez is also not a good player any more! I wouldn't want him at any club I support.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 29 2019, 08:59 AM

Yeah, I think piling up ManUtd rejects could easily backfire for Inter.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 29 2019, 09:28 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 29 2019, 08:59 AM) *
Yeah, I think piling up ManUtd rejects could easily backfire for Inter.


So, you're against young prospects like Leao but also against experienced, proven players like Sanchez...

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 29 2019, 11:21 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 29 2019, 11:28 AM) *
So, you're against young prospects like Leao but also against experienced, proven players like Sanchez...

No, any you know it wink.gif

I'm just not very fond to the bunch of players currently at/around ManUtd. I think they're very problematic to say the least and transferring not one but two or three (Darmian perhaps) players would be a questionable move. Especially Sanchez seems to be problematic - just read what Neville said about this situation.

But it's a gamble Milan has/had to take. Inter not su much, but I get their strategy and the risk they take. We on the other hand need such players. So, don't act like you don't know what I meant...

Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)