New transfer thread here. Hopefully a different summer for us.

Baselli will be the first arrival in June. That was sealed today I believe.

Yep, seems like he's very excited to join us. No idea why..

So, I'm usually detesting those "get rid of..." lists, but now I'm interested. Do you guys think we need a complete overhaul? Who would you let go or sell coming next season?

I'd get rid of:

INZAGHI
Abbiati
Mexes
Zapata
Zaccardo
Albertazzi
Armero
Muntari
Honda and
Pazzini

And I'd try to build the team around:
A coach like Spalleti
Diego Lopez
Abate
Alex
De Sciglio
De Jong (if he extends his contract with us)
Bonaventura
Van Ginkel (if by some miracle we sign him permanently)
Mastour
Destro
Menez and/or El Shaarawy (I still think that with the proper coaching he can become world class player).

And then there are players that I'd be pleased to have as backups, such as:
Gabriel/Agazzi
Rami/Zabaletta/Bochetti
Antonelli
Montolivo/Poli/Suso
Cerci/Niang.

But probably we're going to stick with the players that I would like to get rid of, sell/let go two or three players from those that we should be builinding our team around of to balance the finances and use the players from the third list as first team players. Which means that we're going to contuniue sucking bad until we find somehow players like Nesta, Maldini, Pirlo, Seedorf, Kaka and Sheva. But I don't see that happening, actually I don't think players like them exist anymore.

Agree with a lot of that post. Not all, but a lot.

Let's see... We currently have 31 players in our roster. Next season this number shouldn't exceed 25. Given our current players and requirements, this is how I'd go about it:

OUT
Muntari
Mexes
Honda
Albertazzi
Essien
Bocchetti
Van Ginkel
Bonera
Armero
Zaccardo

That leaves us with 21 players. We desperately need one quality CB to couple with Alex and one playmaker CM. Depending on what formation we play, our priorities might change, but I'd like to see something like this:



SUBS
Abbiati
Agazzi
Zapata
Paletta
Rami
Antonelli
Poli
Montolivo
Bonaventura
El Shaarawy
Mastour
Pazzini

Hmh, I must say, I disagree with many things. Let's see:

1) Abate and de Jong. It's still questionable is the two will sign for us or go away for free. Abate is especially important, since he's a Primavera player.

2) Players who are too good to sit on the bench/probably wouldn't agree with the bench position but are somehow inadequate or not good enough for our first XI.

3) Players who are either sub-par or simply too old/useless.

All in all this would mean parting was with:

Agazzi (we need a younger 3rd string keeper)
Mexès
Rami
Zapata
Zaccardo
Essien
Muntari
van Ginkel (obviously)
Armero

Also questionable would be Pazzini, SES, Monto, Bonera and Cerci. For different reasons.

I'd keep Bonera as a versatile backup option which would be cheap and better then all other alternations (just think of the various backups we had in recent years, all the Mesbahs and Constants).

Pazzini will be out of contract and will most probably leave. If he takes a wage-cut and accepts a backup role, I'd let him stay (I think he's finally coming back to a routine).

SES should really get another chance with a more seasoned coach. Experience could guide him through this rough period. But if he fails to gradually become what is expected out of him, I'd rather sell him sooner then later.

Montolivo is a big question for me. He's not getting any younger and I seriously doubt his contribution to our gameplan is that important. But, I'd still give him the benefit of a doubt and one more season. Then we should decide.

Cerci showed so far very little to nothing. He seems out of shape and not really into being at a club like Milan. I suppose he's the ideal Parma/Bologna/Torino type of player, kind of Beppe Signori or Enrico Chiesa.

Next question: has anyone a list of the top players who'll be out of contract this summer? I think this should be a start for us.

Don't think we have any business referring to potential incoming players as top class. Top class players want CL football, want to win trophies and want heavy salary outlays.

For the second year running we are a midtable team. The club's history and name no-longer attracts top players.

That said, think our team is descent enough to challenge for an EL birth. The coach needs time and he should be given that time.

As for the summer transfer window; nothing exciting is going to happen. Just a bunch of nobodies leaving and a bunch of nobodies incoming.

Nice troll.

Surely, I meant top players out of the players who's contract is running out. Per se those players ain't top class. I meant players like Menez and Alex, nice additions.


So nothing has to change or what? How do you think we got to this situation?

Oh come on, let's talk normal.

I was. Anyone Milan fan who thinks Pippo needs and should be given time is clearly trolling given apparently 8 months wasn't enough already.

But I think R7 was referring to the next season. For the new coach, no?

Anyhow, different opinions is what makes a forum interesting. We should respect and encourage such posting, because otherwise this forum will (already has to an extent) turn into a numb and grey place with dominant opinions.

Agreed. If there was some indication that Pippo has a clue or that he is learning from his mistakes, I would be inclined to give him more time. But I have not seen that. We need a real coach, we really do.

So EL is the best we should hope for now. Really?

Nope, he was referring to Pippo. Present tense.



Then my opinion his comment was a troll is my 'different' opinion surely I am equally entitled to castigate his opinion as he is to express it?

We've not a hope in hell of an UEL spot.

Next season will be one without Europe. Again.

Well, it will if we retain Pippo.

I know which players you meant. It just pains me to think of how low we are, that once we used to lure Robaldinho or Van Basten.

Change? I think we have had enough changes. Stability and time is what we need. Shuffling coaches and players every 6 months isn't the answer. I truely believe we need to give Inzaghi, his ideas and his team time and continuity.

Like now Milan are to consider selling DS, not to raise funds to buy better players. But to fill the hole left by no European football (be that el or cl).

And next season if we do not get Europe, it will be even more difficult. With the scarce wuality on our roaster shedding even thinner.

Not the popularist of opinions, but its an origional opinion. My opinion.

DS isn't worth sh*t right now.

Antonelli is 100% better than him right now. We're far better served with Luca starting in that slot for the indefinite future.

Can't see how you'd make up your mind on that one after just one game tbh...

He did relatively well vs Juve but this is a guy who played one game for us before we shipped him off and could barely cut it at Genoa. Let's not count our chicken before they hatch

As for the players in general, I'm personally hesitant to say that we need an overhaul at this point. How many times are we going to turn this entire squad over and replace average players with even more average ones?

The winter mercato was a clear example of this. We've loaded down our squad with even more average players. The signings in defence are clear examples of this, Bocchetti and Paletta perfectly epitomise what is wrong with this management's strategy.

We spend months trying to get Zaccardo off the books, fail at it so why not sign 3 other players who are round abouts the same level? Let's also renew Bonera's contract while we're at it.

But in the mean time, let's let Abate's and De Jong's contracts run down, because hey, as long as we have Muntari and "can do it all" Bonera, who needs those 2?

There are some obvious names that should definitely be let go this summer, but for me. I'd rather see those name go and sign one or 2 good players (not even going to mention great or top class in this discussion, we couldn't afford that category of players a long time ago) and remove some of the real dead weight in the team. We don't need to make a lot of signings. We have a relatively decent squad for Serie A standards.

One really good CM being top priority and a CB being second priority and we should be done. I'm more concerned at the sheer number of bodies we have in the squad that don't contribute much, if at all. That do nothing but weigh down out wage bill.

Having said all this, the biggest priority on our management's to-do list should be to get in a proper coach, before signing or selling anyone, this is something that has to finally be addressed. We haven't had a proper coach since Carlo and we cannot move forward like this, because no matter who we sign, we will fail anyway if we don't have the right man for the coaching job

Amen.

I just did.



Unlike anyone else.

Case closed.

Can't wait until he has that one bad game and you suddenly turn on him...

His debut was encouraging, but nothing more than that. He's a very average player, just like the majority of our squad.

You actively want a Milan player to have a poor match in order to 'prove a point'?



Encouraging debut - showed what he was capable of in a preview. Ergo he's a better option right now than the trash that is MDS these days.

Nope, just can't wait until you have a fit about him, because I'm expecting it, this isn't about the player, but how you swing from one positive opinion about a player to the other complete opposite end of the spectrum. Can't he just be someone decent who we can use when our first choice isn't available?

I'd still take DS over him anyway, one decent game does not change who Antonelli is, just like one decent game for Zaccardo doesn't mean I suddenly want him to be the starter

Let's go back to what I wrote previously. We have 31 players, currently. Serie A from next season does not allow a roster that exceeds 25 players. In this context, I think we should have:

3 GKs
4-5 CBs
3 FBs (one of which can play both sides, i.e. MDS)
5-6 DMs/CMs
4-5 AMs/wingers
2 CFs

That's 22-24 players. We have to get rid of a lot of dead weight this summer, and that's going to be a challenge considering our excess baggage in addition to the various loan spells we have circulating here and there.

In terms of goalies I think we're fit.

In terms of CBs, the only one I would keep without a doubt is Alex (and the guy will be 33). Everyone else is a question mark.

In terms of mids, we have to do everything in our power to keep De Jong. The guy is crucial for us. You can't find someone as good as him for his role nowadays without spending +15 million. The others that need to be confirmed are Poli and Bonaventura. Montolivo I don't give two sh*ts about, but he's the team captain and I can't see us parting ways at this point. If he accepts a substitute role I wouldn't mind. MVG will return to Chelsea so let's forget about him. The others (Essien, Muntari, even Honda) I don't want them near this team.

In terms of AMs/wingers, Menez, Suso, Cerci, El Shaaraway and Mastour are good enough. You can throw Bona in there as well since he's a jolly and can play anywhere.

Destro and someone else for sub CF.

What we truly need are a top quality CB and especially a top quality CM. I would die for Witsel, he'd be beyond perfect. We need to loosen our string a bit this summer and make these signings, otherwise we're looking at another mediocre season.

Oh, and obviously we need a capable coach. That's out of the question.

Our first choice is currently horrendous. Antonelli impressed me v Juve, in the way Bocchetti did not v Parma.

Two deputies, both given a chance - and one did far better than the other, while the senior first choice is wildly out of form. Remember I whined about Armero being given a chance in the face of MDS being so poor? Well he too turned out awful, but I stand entirely by my desire to see someone else (whoever that was) given a chance. Just so happens we now have Antonelli who's managed to impress us all to a degree (more than MDS has this season) on his sole appearance so given the start, why change it?

If Antonelli has a shocker v Empoli, which I doubt, then we really are in the crapper because then all of Bocchetti, Armero, and Antonelli will be in poor form while MDS is miles away from being fit.



Difference with Zac is Abate is an all-round better RB who's rarely out of form. MDS is rarely in form.

3 FBs X? Right now if we went by that, Abate and MDS aren't available, leaving only one FB.

You need at least four, always.

IMO you always need two in every position plus a few extra in general for emergencies. That would make up the 25.

Looks like Milan may be sold (link).

A couple of years ago I would have been concerned, as you never know what will happen with the new owners. However, at this point I am ready for a change. Anything has to be better than where we seem to be headed.

Edit: Berlusconi says this is not true

We agree mostly. But Danny has a point, 3 FBs has absolutely no sense. Maybe if the 5th CB is Bonera, who can cover both flanks. But we definitively need 4 FBs. I'd also like if Milan would drop the winger system and build on our previous tactical formations. None of the mentioned players is truly a good winger bar Cerci maybe.

We'll be keeping Honda for the sake of our Asian business.


My God are you fast too judge. One game means nothing. As Han said, there's probably a reason why Antonelli got shipped off years earlier while Milan didn't have a solid LB as well (ever since Maldini/Serginho).

As for MDS, he's very young. He needs time and patience to become a good performer. Look at Abate; most of us criticized him for years, but he turned out into one of our best performers: how? By sheer determination and playing time. We have one of the best fullbacks in history with Tasso, I'm positive he'll do his thing and help MDS develop. We've gotta give MDS more time and space.

And it's not like there's a line of good LB's waiting. Look at the broader situation. Most clubs hold on to routine's and veterans, and only rare teams have someone fresh, young and already great. And we really don't need another Mesbah, Constant or Armero.

I'd like to think of the 4 FB as someone from the CBs who can cover that position in cases of emergencies, like Rami or Bonera.

Yes I am.



Give me an example of a really bad debut which got turned around the player ended up great.

While you're at it, give me an example of a brilliant debut but the player ended up a shambles.



Guess we're glad guys like Tomasson, KJH, and Gourcuff weren't given a chance here either then.



Only the short-sighted ones. I never did.



Because he always was. He just matured and eventually fans learned of his value.



I didn't say we shouldn't? I just said, pound for pound, right now Antonelli is our best option at LB and worth giving a chance to.

Where you saw 'let's give up on MDS completely' I'm less sure.



No, but we do need a performer right now in as many slots as possible. Fact is MDS, injury notwithstanding, isn't in form and hasn't been for a long long time. You can't just keep selecting a player when his poor form will cost you goals.

Yoann Gourcuff

Totally agree with this x-off

Abate, also being another crucial name that we must confirm next season, but it seems like the management is in no rush to renew either his or De Jong's contracts

Like I said, Antonelli was encouraging, but he also made a mistake on the first goal from Tevez imo. The guy is, as far as I can see, a good back up, better than Armero. But no, I still don't want to see him start ahead of DS if DS is fit.

One game against Juve does not a good player make. He could easily step out tomorrow and have a nightmare showing, we've seen this happen too many times to count now.

Same goes for Bocchetti tbh, one game, playing at LB, for me does not show whether he's good to be a back up or not. It's simply not enough to judge. I need to at least watch him a couple more time at CB before I completely throw him to the sharks and say the guy is cr@p

He didn't end up a shambles. He ended up totally underused. And wasted. And then sold.

Ricardo Oliveira?

Great for the first 30 minutes of his debut, then shite by the mid-second half.

But he is the closest to an example of such a situation I can think of. I remember it well - it was at San Siro v Lazio, and we'd just sold Sheva. And Oli looked great for that first half, but then ran out of steam second half and was a dismal failure every match afterwords.

Nelson Dida.


Thomas Locatelli debuted in a Coppa game with a good performance and a goal on top of it. Thomas who? Andre Cruz had a good season start with us. Ibrahim Ba in his first couple of games. Jens Lehman, starting with a great debut and then gradually making one (big) mistake after another in the coming few matches. Gianni Comandini scoring a goal and making a good figure in his debut against Dinamo Zagreb. I can go on and on...

Oliveira is also a good example, don't play that partially good card. He had a very good debut, scoring and making himself present. Did Antonelli play all 90 minutes on the same dynamic and overall good level? I don't think so.



What does this have to do with anything? Tomasson played in the era of Shevchenko, Inzaghi, Kaka, Crespo...naturally it was hard for him to get any playing time. Gourcuff wasn't mentally right with Milan and Ancelotti noticed this early on. Huntelaar? Don't get me even started...mispositioned, misused, also kind of a small club striker.

But I didn't say all players that Milan shipped off were bad. I only said that it sure means something if the left side is a problem for years and you never once consider actually bringing back the guy you own.


Well good for you. Because Abate was really bad in his first days here.


Completely disagree.


With this I agree


What I'm saying is, one game is simply put not enough to mark Antonelli as "best" or "in form" or anything.

A few years ago I would have agreed, but having watched his career unfold, I'm going to have to disagree, the guy was/is weak and having the players we did back then he would have needed a strong character to break through, Kaka had that, and pushed Rui Costa out of the side and into a permanent position of warming the bench

He didn't even start that game...he came off the bench to score

Was I thinking of the second match...yes, you're right. Amazing how a decade can alter a memory.

I'll do what is best and suggest we run with this part

According to De Telegraaf, De Jong has already told the club he won't renew his contract and will leave at the end of the season, probably to ManU.

What a huge loss it will be...

Thoroughly expected and I'm only stunned we kept him this long.

He goes with my best wishes.

He's been our best overall player for two+ years now, and he deserves to be in the UCL. That said, Man Utd are no great shakes either but they're better than us. I wouldn't be shocked though if he goes to a UCL team. By then, that might admittedly be Utd.

We 39 players in total under contract (including loans). According to Tuttosport, the following players will surely not be part of the team next season:

Essien
Van Ginkel
De Jong
Albertazzi
Muntari
Mexes
Zaccardo
Zapata
Pazzini
Robinho
Nocerino
Birsa

Bonera, Rami, Matri, Saponara, El Shaarawy, Niang, Suso, Petagna and Niang are still uncertain.

Only two players of this entire group I'd certainly keep are Zapata and Niang (and Niang 2 ). Suso is being mistreated as bad as MvG was (still like to see him given a chance himself but he's not a Pippo pal). Signed for us for four years yet being totally ignored. I wasn't hugely in favour of the signing but he's here and he deserves a shot - can't be worse than the shite out there. Unless he's Bocchetti, of course.

But I know Zaps is a 'me' (and perhaps you thing X) thing and truth is Pippo's never going to partner him with Alex so that's a busted flush.

Rest can all go happily. Pity they're not taking Monto & Honda with them.

I'd definitely keep Zapata but not as starter, and I'm not sure if he'll be happy with that. In most interviews he keeps stating that he wants to play, and I just don't think he's good enough to be a starter. We need someone else of quality to partner alongside Alex, preferably left-footed.

Alex is yer alpha defender, the leader, the slower one, strong, positionally excellent, collosal in the air and not scared to put his body where it hurts.

He needs a decent foil to fill the attributes he doesn't have - pace, last-ditch blocking, filling in when he's out of position, height. Zapata is the best one of the lot we have for that task - we both agree the two of them are the best partnership we have. The odd thing, you say he's not good enough to be a starter, yet he clearly was in the CL alongside Mexes two seasons ago. Funny though, I would tentatively agree that he isn't good enough to start overall, but the irony is he's still the best of the options we have to partner Alex.