[Forza Milan!]

I don't get you Han. You say Toure or Schweini would open us up to problems with high wages but Cesc wouldn't?

Look, I don't think we can get past this wage issue. If we're gonna be big again we have to start by building on seasoned stars and splash money on their wages. The stingy wage politic won't bring us anywhere.

As for Kovačić, I think he solidified his position in Madrid and won't be moving anywhere.

Don't forget FFP, which means we can't increase wages unless we also increase revenue (hopefully our new investors will help drive the latter). Part of our problems is that we have been carrying relatively high wages (relative to most other Serie A teams) on mediocre players.

[Rossoneri7]

Don't forget FFP, which means we can't increase wages unless we also increase revenue (hopefully our new investors will help drive the latter). Part of our problems is that we have been carrying relatively high wages (relative to most other Serie A teams) on mediocre players.

Letting go of Mexes, Menez and the likes reduced the wage constraint. But its not enough, it just means the club has eased the pressure on a bloated wage budget. Today, as you so pointed out the club need to increase revenues, the sooner they do that, the sooner we can afford the players we all want. Otherwise primary focus is CL income and heavily marketing if Milan in Asian market. That said; they have 100M to burn through this winter. So I expect a reference point type of player arriving to kick start the new era. That said, our gate receipt should increase with interesting players coming in. And subject to our results continuing along these lines.

[han2503]

I don't get you Han. You say Toure or Schweini would open us up to problems with high wages but Cesc wouldn't?

Look, I don't think we can get past this wage issue. If we're gonna be big again we have to start by building on seasoned stars and splash money on their wages. The stingy wage politic won't bring us anywhere.

As for Kovačić, I think he solidified his position in Madrid and won't be moving anywhere.

It's simple really, the former two are both way past their best. I was very in favour of the Schweinsteiger idea in the summer (we were desperate for someone like him and a lot was still uncertain). But now that we should have more readily available cash we should be aiming higher than players who are in the twilights of their careers who are big names and command high wages and basically have little left to give to this team. The latter on the other hand is still 29 years old and who I still regard as a great player who has a good few years left in him.

All three would come in with high wage demands, but if we're going to be paying a high wage, I'd rather it be on someone really worth it.

We've already gone through this countless times in the past, brought in players who are big names but are way past it, while paying them wages because of their big names and only that. It's part of the reason for our current problem and I would prefer it if we don't repeat those mistakes

I don't think cash will be as free flowing as we're all hoping for tbh. So that's why I believe we should really be careful when picking the so called bigger names that will be demanding the big wages. We need to make a couple of signings 3 of which should be big names. If my choices for the midfield were Cesc, Bastian and Yaya, I'd choose Cesc easily.

Don't forget FFP, which means we can't increase wages unless we also increase revenue (hopefully our new investors will help drive the latter). Part of our problems is that we have been carrying relatively high wages (relative to most other Serie A teams) on mediocre players.

Isn't there some rule about clubs who are in the process of transferring ownership they're sort of given a "free pass" in the first year after the transition?

Still I think the Chinese will funnel in the cash through sponsors and not directly, which should have us covered on FFP

Letting go of Mexes, Menez and the likes reduced the wage constraint. But its not enough, it just means the club has eased the pressure on a bloated wage budget. Today, as you so pointed out the club need to increase revenues, the sooner they do that, the sooner we can afford the players we all want. Otherwise primary focus is CL income and heavily marketing if Milan in Asian market. That said; they have 100M to burn through this winter. So I expect a reference point type of player arriving to kick start the new era. That said, our gate receipt should increase with interesting players coming in. And subject to our results continuing along these lines.

I think we have done tremendously well to really move a lot of baggage of that wage bill, there's still a lot of work to be done, because we still have players earning big money who don't deserve it but so far we're moving in the right direction compared to the obscene wages some of our players were earning to do nothing but be mediocre or sit on the bench

[Fillipo Simone]

So you rate Fabregas over Schweini and Toure? That's okay, agreed. But the salary argument is still very questionable. It's simple for me: if we wanna succeed, we have to start building a team around WC players. Since we cannot afford nor lure players like Messi, heck even Thiago Alcantara, we should settle for second or third bests. But I think it's absolutely vital to sign one or two of these kind of players.

Now you say we've done it countless time in the past. I think your memory is tricking you. Perhaps the last three big has-been but classy players we signed were Ronaldinho, Robinho and Torres. All others - Alex, Essien, Boateng (2nd term), etc. never even were that good to begin with. Also, they never constituted that kind of key players.

That being said, I'd sign Fabregas in a heartbeat, but I think Montella doesn't want him, yes?

Also I don't understand this whole wage thing? What do you guys suggest? How can we improve and start making steps forward without signing better players -- who'll demand better wages? And don't you think we need some experience right now? This is not the Milan of the past, this is a much different, younger, greener Milan with virtually no one who's played past the CL group stage more then a few matches.

[Forza Milan!]

So you rate Fabregas over Schweini and Toure? That's okay, agreed. But the salary argument is still very questionable. It's simple for me: if we wanna succeed, we have to start building a team around WC players. Since we cannot afford nor lure players like Messi, heck even Thiago Alcantara, we should settle for second or third bests. But I think it's absolutely vital to sign one or two of these kind of players.

Now you say we've done it countless time in the past. I think your memory is tricking you. Perhaps the last three big has-been but classy players we signed were Ronaldinho, Robinho and Torres. All others - Alex, Essien, Boateng (2nd term), etc. never even were that good to begin with. Also, they never constituted that kind of key players.

That being said, I'd sign Fabregas in a heartbeat, but I think Montella doesn't want him, yes?

Also I don't understand this whole wage thing? What do you guys suggest? How can we improve and start making steps forward without signing better players -- who'll demand better wages? And don't you think we need some experience right now? This is not the Milan of the past, this is a much different, younger, greener Milan with virtually no one who's played past the CL group stage more then a few matches.

Montella's position re: Fabregas is interesting and may point to his limitations. Is he concerned about getting "star players"?

As for "the wage thing", my understanding is that we need to increase revenue before we can pay big salaries. As pointed out by Rossoneri7, that may happen relatively quickly after the closing, possibly in the form of sponsorship and/or by marketing the Milan brand in the Far East. However, it is a necessary first step. We probably also need to get rid of some of our mediocre players that are drawing relatively large salaries (still have some of those).

In relation to "has-beens", Torres was not that long ago and happened at a time where we were struggling financially (and could have probably found better ways to use the money).

[Jack Sparrow]

No, so I think we space for one world class talent at around 7-10 million salary. Because we've chopped down our wage bill so much, there will be space to add that sort of wage.

I hear us linked to Schneiderlin, Depay, Caio,Mussachio and Lucas Lima. I really liked the look for Rodrigo Caio, great anticipation and positioning skills, though he had that Gustav Gomez tendency to rush forward. I think it's a S.American thing.

Schneiderlin might be a great move, unfortunately also risks cutting space for Locatelli- but I think it's fair to give Locatelli a taste of competition. Depay or someone like that I feel is very critical for us, because we need that wing forward. Right now we have no options for Niang or Suso if one were to be injured or out of form.

We'll have to see. I don't think Montella wants to buy too many huge players this winter window. Maybe we will land Milan Badelj.

--

I hope expectations are tempered though. Look, end of the day, we are a team that is currently overperforming. Our team is still Europe League class at best. We need to work from that perspective and not keep ambitions too crazy for the season.

[Fillipo Simone]

Yes, we're overperforming, but other then Juventus and Roma, who do you think is CL class? Napoli? Lazio? Inter? Perhaps - but I don't see a big difference between us and them.

[Jack Sparrow]

None of those clubs are performing at their best. True. But it doesn't mean they won't. So we're not halfway through the season yet.

I think if we finish in the top 6 (providing no major reinforcements are made in the winter), it would be a very creditable finish. To finish top 3, is a struggle. We will have to invest in 3 top class reinforcements for CB, Midfield and Wing. I don't see that sort of talent available. And I don't see why we should spend money to get B+ level talent, only for them to rot and stagnate us.

[Fillipo Simone]

I don't understand why we should aim that low? Again, not based on performances, but taking a look at rosters of teams like Lazio or Napoli, I don't see anything special, anything much better. The only thing that they have is experience.

Therefore I'd take the risk, try get one or two WC players (I don't think Depay or Schneiderlin fit to that description) and make the assault for the 3rd place.

[Rossoneri7]

I don't understand why we should aim that low? Again, not based on performances, but taking a look at rosters of teams like Lazio or Napoli, I don't see anything special, anything much better. The only thing that they have is experience.

Therefore I'd take the risk, try get one or two WC players (I don't think Depay or Schneiderlin fit to that description) and make the assault for the 3rd place.

We will get good players this winter and if we reach CL then a CL worthy squad.

But it won't be without constraints. As FFP will have us cornered like that.

[maldini03]

I don't understand why we should aim that low? Again, not based on performances, but taking a look at rosters of teams like Lazio or Napoli, I don't see anything special, anything much better. The only thing that they have is experience.

Therefore I'd take the risk, try get one or two WC players (I don't think Depay or Schneiderlin fit to that description) and make the assault for the 3rd place.

The problem is that it's the winter market, there aren't too many big stars out there for the grabbing midway through the season. The only name that is really circulating concerning top players is Cesc, and Montella doesn't want him for whatever reason.

I think we should target those players who have fallen out of favor and give them another shot to revitalize themselves here or go for proven Serie A players who can help up make a push. For me, Depay and Schneiderlin sound pretty good. I would also throw Bazoer and Caio into the list of good targets. At this point, I'm over the idea of Badelj coming. If it's the choice between bringing him in or continuing to play Locatelli, I think it's obvious where I stand. This team has continuity going for it. We are a scrappy underdog team, we should look to bring in players who fit that mentality.

There are also obvious dream players, Veratti, Berardi, Thiago Silva but I don't really see any of them coming here unless we are playing in the CL

[d'Arc.LP]

Mirabelli is working on building the new Milan. The objectives are a defender, midfielder and a winger (Honda is leaving).
[Sky Italia]

[d'Arc.LP]

Chelsea are ready to offer €60m for Romagnoli. Borussia Dortmund are interested in Suso. #CorSport

[han2503]

So you rate Fabregas over Schweini and Toure? That's okay, agreed. But the salary argument is still very questionable. It's simple for me: if we wanna succeed, we have to start building a team around WC players. Since we cannot afford nor lure players like Messi, heck even Thiago Alcantara, we should settle for second or third bests. But I think it's absolutely vital to sign one or two of these kind of players.

Now you say we've done it countless time in the past. I think your memory is tricking you. Perhaps the last three big has-been but classy players we signed were Ronaldinho, Robinho and Torres. All others - Alex, Essien, Boateng (2nd term), etc. never even were that good to begin with. Also, they never constituted that kind of key players.

That being said, I'd sign Fabregas in a heartbeat, but I think Montella doesn't want him, yes?

Also I don't understand this whole wage thing? What do you guys suggest? How can we improve and start making steps forward without signing better players -- who'll demand better wages? And don't you think we need some experience right now? This is not the Milan of the past, this is a much different, younger, greener Milan with virtually no one who's played past the CL group stage more then a few matches.

Well... Yes. Like I said, Fabregas still has a few good years left to offer while with the other 2 all the good years are now in the past which is why I think it's acceptable to give Cesc a high wage while I don't think the other 2 would be worth it.

Look, we've been doing this kind of signing for years now, you can look back all the way to Redondo and Rivaldo. It general y always tended to hurt us in the long run. And I'm not even saying that Cesc would be a full proof signing either, he could turn into another dud that weighs heavily on out wage budget doing nothing but warming the bench, I just this it's less likely with him, more likely with the other 2

Also, I agree with you that we shouldn't be signing players who can barely qualify as above average to good. We should be looking at better if we want to compete seriously. And I think we should have a much better mixture of young and experienced in the squad. I just think we should be a lot more selective when purchasing the experienced players to make sure they're not only just a big name, but ones that can truly make a difference. We can't be just jumping on the first big name we can land simply because of just that.

No, so I think we space for one world class talent at around 7-10 million salary. Because we've chopped down our wage bill so much, there will be space to add that sort of wage.

I hear us linked to Schneiderlin, Depay, Caio,Mussachio and Lucas Lima. I really liked the look for Rodrigo Caio, great anticipation and positioning skills, though he had that Gustav Gomez tendency to rush forward. I think it's a S.American thing.

Schneiderlin might be a great move, unfortunately also risks cutting space for Locatelli- but I think it's fair to give Locatelli a taste of competition. Depay or someone like that I feel is very critical for us, because we need that wing forward. Right now we have no options for Niang or Suso if one were to be injured or out of form.

We'll have to see. I don't think Montella wants to buy too many huge players this winter window. Maybe we will land Milan Badelj.

--

I hope expectations are tempered though. Look, end of the day, we are a team that is currently overperforming. Our team is still Europe League class at best. We need to work from that perspective and not keep ambitions too crazy for the season.

Yeah, we should set a budget for the big name players we want to sign. I don't think we'll be as willing to part with big amounts as we might think (hope) so the big signings we do make have to be spot on and we can't waste big amounts for players who would end up doing nothing of use for us.

Badelj would just be a cheap and easy stop gap solution, certainly better than what we currently have but won't really make a huge jump in quality for out midfield.

Yes, we're overperforming, but other then Juventus and Roma, who do you think is CL class? Napoli? Lazio? Inter? Perhaps - but I don't see a big difference between us and them.

Agreed there

We will get good players this winter and if we reach CL then a CL worthy squad.

But it won't be without constraints. As FFP will have us cornered like that.

But I think we'll be working around that by funnelling money is through sponsors. I don't think there'll be a "sugar daddy" of sorts signing checks to buy this player or that

The problem is that it's the winter market, there aren't too many big stars out there for the grabbing midway through the season. The only name that is really circulating concerning top players is Cesc, and Montella doesn't want him for whatever reason.

I think we should target those players who have fallen out of favor and give them another shot to revitalize themselves here or go for proven Serie A players who can help up make a push. For me, Depay and Schneiderlin sound pretty good. I would also throw Bazoer and Caio into the list of good targets. At this point, I'm over the idea of Badelj coming. If it's the choice between bringing him in or continuing to play Locatelli, I think it's obvious where I stand. This team has continuity going for it. We are a scrappy underdog team, we should look to bring in players who fit that mentality.

There are also obvious dream players, Veratti, Berardi, Thiago Silva but I don't really see any of them coming here unless we are playing in the CL

I disagree about look signing players who fit the mould of "scrappy". We should be looking at much better so we can make a jump in quality. If we're going to be signing more of the same (.i.e Galliani style signing), then I'd rather we stay as we are and let the current crop grow as a team

Mirabelli is working on building the new Milan. The objectives are a defender, midfielder and a winger (Honda is leaving).
[Sky Italia]

Well at least the correct positions are being looked at. For once we're not linked to a striker (which is always reason to celebrate at this club)

Chelsea are ready to offer €60m for Romagnoli. Borussia Dortmund are interested in Suso. #CorSport

They can p!ss off.

I really don't understand the Chelsea link considering Conte totally snubbed Romagnoli this summer.

[Fillipo Simone]

Well... Yes. Like I said, Fabregas still has a few good years left to offer while with the other 2 all the good years are now in the past which is why I think it's acceptable to give Cesc a high wage while I don't think the other 2 would be worth it.

Look, we've been doing this kind of signing for years now, you can look back all the way to Redondo and Rivaldo. It general y always tended to hurt us in the long run. And I'm not even saying that Cesc would be a full proof signing either, he could turn into another dud that weighs heavily on out wage budget doing nothing but warming the bench, I just this it's less likely with him, more likely with the other 2

Also, I agree with you that we shouldn't be signing players who can barely qualify as above average to good. We should be looking at better if we want to compete seriously. And I think we should have a much better mixture of young and experienced in the squad. I just think we should be a lot more selective when purchasing the experienced players to make sure they're not only just a big name, but ones that can truly make a difference. We can't be just jumping on the first big name we can land simply because of just that.

On the other hand, Fabregas never was or will be half of the player Bastian is/was. But yes, I get your point.

Redondo is a very bad example though. We signed him at his peak, but injuries ruined his career.

The difference is, back then we had plenty of experience in our roster, while additions like Amoroso or even Rivaldo were unnecessary. Now we need quality and experience. We signed Rivaldo to make up for Boban and Albertini. But it turned out so that Pirlo and a very young Kaka made a surprise blast and cemented their first XI position. But this wasn't expected. Nowadays a 31 year old Rivaldo, winner of the WC, would be more then welcome and surely would have a secured spot.