As the summer transfer window inches forward, AC Milan finds itself in a peculiar state of suspended animation, seemingly caught between urgent needs and inflated market realities. With less than a month until their first official engagement – a Coppa Italia clash on August 17th – and the impending Asian tour, coach Massimiliano Allegri is, quite understandably, keen to integrate new faces. Yet, the Rossoneri`s squad remains conspicuously incomplete, particularly in the crucial full-back positions.
The Elusive Full-Backs: A Tale of Two Flanks
The urgency stems from a glaring void on both defensive flanks. While a solution for the left-back role is still pending, the right side presents its own set of challenges. Milan`s recent foray into the market has been less a triumphant charge and more a series of polite rejections, or rather, outmaneuvered bids. The most recent and perhaps most public setback was the dramatic loss of Archie Brown, a promising talent who, despite being on the verge of joining the Diavolo, was ultimately lured away by the more generous financial overtures of Fenerbahçe. For Milan, Brown was intended as a cost-effective, strategic acquisition for the left flank, a sensible understudy or even a competitor for the esteemed Theo Hernández. His sudden defection has left a palpable void and an even more pressing demand for defensive reinforcements.
One might assume a club of Milan`s stature, with their ample time for pre-season planning, would have neatly tied up such crucial signings. Instead, the narrative unfolding is one of frustration, negotiations that stall over fractions of millions, and a market where prices for even “strategic” targets appear to climb faster than the Milanese metro during rush hour.
The Right-Back Realm: A Pricey Pursuit
The spotlight has now firmly shifted to the right-back position. The name gaining significant traction in recent hours is Marc Pubill, a 22-year-old Spaniard from Almería. His reported price tag hovers around €15 million, a figure that, in the grand scheme of modern football, appears almost quaint. However, Milan`s true preference, it seems, lies elsewhere. The club had initially set its sights on Guéla Doué, the elder brother of the PSG star Désiré. Milan even upped their offer from €15 million to a more substantial €18 million, yet Strasbourg, Doué`s current club, remains steadfast, indicating they would only entertain offers from €25 million upwards (plus bonuses). A classic case of market dynamics at play, where a slight preference translates into a significant financial chasm.
Adding to Milan`s woes, another candidate, Vanderson from Monaco, has also been deemed “too expensive” for the Rossoneri`s current budgetary considerations. It’s almost as if every time Milan shows interest, the player`s value instantly appreciates like fine art at an auction. Thus, the club is now reportedly concentrating its efforts decisively on Pubill, presumably hoping that the Spanish market is slightly less prone to sudden price surges.
The Fans` Verdict: A Symphony of Sarcasm
The ongoing transfer saga has not gone unnoticed by the loyal Milanisti, whose patience appears to be wearing thinner than a well-worn jersey. The comments section of football news sites paints a vivid picture of exasperation, seasoned with a generous helping of irony:
“Can`t Milan afford Calabria now? Who`s going to play full-back in training, a hologram?”
“Maybe we should buy both full-backs from Pontedera, that`s within our budget! Oh, wait, Pontedera would probably ask for €40 million for the pair.”
There`s a palpable sentiment that Milan is becoming a “champion of flops” in the transfer market, constantly missing out on targets or settling for players deemed “unknown foreigners” or “third-rate imports” at inflated prices. Some lament the perceived lack of focus on young Italian talent, suggesting that primavera (youth academy) players could offer a more viable and perhaps less costly solution:
“A young Italian? No way! I ask for a friend…”
The frustration extends to the club`s leadership, with calls for boycotting season tickets to instigate change. One particularly sarcastic quip highlights the recurring joke:
“Pubill was a Milan fan as a child. In his bedroom, he had a poster of the algorithm`s father, a Commodore 64.”
Such remarks underscore the collective weariness with a transfer strategy that seems to prioritize algorithm-driven scouting over more traditional, perhaps more agile, negotiation tactics.
The Road Ahead
As the clock ticks down to the pre-season tour and competitive matches, the pressure on Milan`s management is immense. Allegri needs to start building chemistry with his new squad, and without key defensive pieces, tactical preparation becomes a formidable challenge. The focus on Marc Pubill is a clear indicator of the club`s determination to finally secure at least one of the much-needed full-backs before the team jets off to Singapore. Whether this pursuit will conclude swiftly, or if it will simply be another chapter in Milan`s summer transfer novella of missed opportunities and financial tightropes, remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the Rossoneri faithful are watching, waiting, and perhaps, preparing their next witty remark.