[X-Offender]

I was wondering if the opposition matters in such scenarios? We're playing Liverpool, Atheltico and Porto. Who are Inter playing? Still the gap between the prices is too much.

No, it doesn't. And Inter are playing Real Madrid.

[Rossoneri7]

We'll see. The problem with trying to sell him in January is that other clubs can sign a pre-contract with him and get him for free in the summer. The sensible thing to do would be to renew and sell in '22 or '23 when Tonali and Adli are more ready to take over. I would not have a problem with this, just like I wouldn't have any problem selling Theo for 70m either. As long as we make good money on these players, for me everyone is sellable and replaceable.

But you need good incoming cash flow to make this model work, similar to what Dortmund do.

That's why it is important to keep the important players on long term contracts. So whenever any other club comes knocking, we hold the power in the negotiations.

Theo and Bennacer should be renewed ASAP. If not, we're going to face the same issue. Never mind Romagnoli's situation as well which is even more precarious.

Btw, notice how the media keeps talking about Kessie's contract and not Romagnoli. When they are both basically in the same situation. This is because they know which one the fans are interested in more and which one will get them the clicks

Don't think it is that simple to renew and sell off, as it would put the club in a pickle, especially given revenue had taken a hit. If it was possible to pull it off, Maldini would have renewed Donnarumma's contract back then.

Romagnoli is being linked to Lazio, seems like either a sale in the winter window or he'll leave for free next summer.

I think the owners are well aware of the situation, they choose to stay the course. Which is what Gazidis had been reiterating whenever he makes a public announcement.

[X-Offender]

I also feel the owners are content with this approach, and I also think I understand why. Their main goal is to increase revenues via a wider marketing appeal, meaning more sponsorships and an extended international reach. Matchday revenue can also be improved with a new stadium, whereas TV rights are what they are. If operating costs (i.e. player salaries for the most part) remain under control, then the bottom line will improve as well. They seem very focused on the business aspect of running a club.

Money coming from player sales is secondary to them, or so it seems. Obviously for us who have lived and breathed football all our lives it makes no sense whatsoever to be losing our best players for nothing, and I really think something has to be done about it. This ironclad conviction of a salary cap is becoming very problematic.

[Fillipo Simone]

I also feel the owners are content with this approach, and I also think I understand why. Their main goal is to increase revenues via a wider marketing appeal, meaning more sponsorships and an extended international reach. Matchday revenue can also be improved with a new stadium, whereas TV rights are what they are. If operating costs (i.e. player salaries for the most part) remain under control, then the bottom line will improve as well. They seem very focused on the business aspect of running a club.

Money coming from player sales is secondary to them, or so it seems. Obviously for us who have lived and breathed football all our lives it makes no sense whatsoever to be losing our best players for nothing, and I really think something has to be done about it. This ironclad conviction of a salary cap is becoming very problematic.

Agreed

[Rossoneri7]

Theo and Bennacer should be given improved contract extensions prior to this summer, a failure in the same will cause more controversy around Milan's ability to retain its talented players.

By improved I'm talking about something within the clubs budget, not being held Ransom for 7M per season contracts.

[X-Offender]

What are your guys' thoughts on benching or even keeping Kessie out of the squad if he doesn't renew? Many fans have urged this idea these last few days.

Personally, I'm on the fence. On the one side I agree that if you don't accept any renewal proposal by your club when you're entering your last year of contract then you're basically stating that this will be your final year. Questions are then raised about your commitment on the pitch.

Last season Maldini made a good decision to postpone any renewal talks until after the season end so the team remained concentrated in the second part of the season, but now that the season has just began, and given the Dollarumma and Capanoglu precedents, I think a bold move might be an option.

On the other hand, Kessie is arguably our best player, and depriving ourselves of such a player would be almost suicidal.

So, I really don't know. I only know that I'm very pissed at Kessie, especially after his emphatic statement last month.

[William405]

What are your guys' thoughts on benching or even keeping Kessie out of the squad if he doesn't renew? Many fans have urged this idea these last few days.

Personally, I'm on the fence. On the one side I agree that if you don't accept any renewal proposal by your club when you're entering your last year of contract then you're basically stating that this will be your final year. Questions are then raised about your commitment on the pitch.

Last season Maldini made a good decision to postpone any renewal talks until after the season end so the team remained concentrated in the second part of the season, but now that the season has just began, and given the Dollarumma and Capanoglu precedents, I think a bold move might be an option.

On the other hand, Kessie is arguably our best player, and depriving ourselves of such a player would be almost suicidal.

So, I really don't know. I only know that I'm very pissed at Kessie, especially after his emphatic statement last month.

It is a stupid idea fueld by overemotional fans. He is our best player. We need him. We are paying him. Donnarumma did just well knowing he was leaving in the summer.

[X-Offender]

It is a stupid idea fueld by overemotional fans. He is our best player. We need him. We are paying him. Donnarumma did just well knowing he was leaving in the summer.

Yeah, but a goalie doesn't have to put much effort during the 90 minutes of a match. For a CM it's an entirely different story. Kessie runs kilometres in every game and spends a lot of energy. Why would he care anymore knowing he has an agreement with PSG and won't be playing with us next year?

I wouldn't consider the idea of benching him stupid, especially if the rumours of his agent continuously increasing their demands are true. The only thing that's keeping me on the fence is that we don't know the truth.

[X-Offender]

Looks like Romagnoli's contract when it was renewed in 2018 included a clause that provided for an increase each year. Rumours say this season he'll be earning 6M net.

Source

[William405]

Looks like Romagnoli's contract when it was renewed in 2018 included a clause that provided for an increase each year. Rumours say this season he'll be earning 6M net.

Source

That's a lot.

[han2503]

Looks like Romagnoli's contract when it was renewed in 2018 included a clause that provided for an increase each year. Rumours say this season he'll be earning 6M net.

Source

I would love to keep him. But for those numbers we could easily bring in someone just as good with an even higher ceiling for a third of that salary

And personally I can only see Juve being able to match that kind of contract. ButI don't think he's worth it even to them on those figures

I'd rather we concentrate on Kessie, Theo and Benna at this point.

Which is sad to say as a Milan fan who has endure these past 8 years or so in the abyss and Alessio was one of the few bright spots.

This is another huge f@ck up from the Fassone/Mirabelli days. Just like the 6m per year contract to Donna at 18 years old...

[han2503]

Re Kessie. I will give him the benefit of the doubt for now. But if we go deep into autumn and he still hasn't signed that extension, then I think he needs to be perma benched and put on the market in January.

I don't care if we just get 15m for him. At least it would be something.

But this has to stop. And the management need to grow some balls when dealing with these types of situations. And I really hope they learn their lesson and renew Bennacer and Theo ASAP

[Fillipo Simone]

Seeing how Tonali is developing, supposedly Bakayoko comes back to his usual self and if Kessie signs a new deal, I'm pretty sure we'll sell Bennacer.

Of course I'm maybe prematurely judging the season by it's mere beginning but Pioli seems to prefer Tonali which is, surprisingly, fine with me. If and only if Milan signs Kessie up for a renewal, I don't see us having 4 top options for just 2 positions.

[X-Offender]

Seeing how Tonali is developing, supposedly Bakayoko comes back to his usual self and if Kessie signs a new deal, I'm pretty sure we'll sell Bennacer.

Of course I'm maybe prematurely judging the season by it's mere beginning but Pioli seems to prefer Tonali which is, surprisingly, fine with me. If and only if Milan signs Kessie up for a renewal, I don't see us having 4 top options for just 2 positions.

I'm pretty sure we won't sell Bennacer.

[William405]

Seeing how Tonali is developing, supposedly Bakayoko comes back to his usual self and if Kessie signs a new deal, I'm pretty sure we'll sell Bennacer.

Of course I'm maybe prematurely judging the season by it's mere beginning but Pioli seems to prefer Tonali which is, surprisingly, fine with me. If and only if Milan signs Kessie up for a renewal, I don't see us having 4 top options for just 2 positions.

No man, that's important depth. Tonali is still developing and Bakayoko is a bench player IMO.