Milan Considers Maignan’s Future Amid Ongoing Speculations
The AC Milan management continues to assert that goalkeeper Mike Maignan is not for sale, despite the Frenchman’s recent behavior suggesting otherwise. Reports from MilanNews.it indicate that Maignan, the 31-year-old captain of the team, notably did not attend the funeral of club icon Franco Baresi and has been absent from pre-season training.
Maignan is expected to return by August 16th, when he will sit down with club owner Gerry Cardinale to discuss his future. The Rossoneri believe he plays a vital role in the plans of head coach Ruben Amorim. Although Maignan’s recent activity, including the deletion of all his Instagram posts, has raised concerns among fans, the club emphasizes that there has been no indication from his team of a desire to depart.
Under contract until June 2031, Maignan has attracted interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, further intensifying speculation regarding his position.
Losing Maignan Could Signal Trouble for Milan
Despite the challenges Milan faced last season, Maignan’s standing has remained remarkably high, bolstered by his performance in the World Cup. While this is not the first time he has been linked to a transfer, the current interest from Al-Nassr and his extended absence from training paint a concerning picture.
Milan has struggled under Ruben Amorim, failing to impress during three pre-season friendlies, including a stark 3–0 defeat against Chelsea. This shaky start raises concerns about the stability within the squad. Should the club lose their captain and one of its most experienced players before the season commences, it may trigger alarm bells for Amorim, especially if the unfavorable results persist.
As revealed by MilanNews.it, the Rossoneri deem Mike Maignan not for sale despite the Frenchman’s recent actions.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper and Milan captain did not attend club legend Franco Baresi’s funeral and has not showed up for pre-season training.
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He’s expected to return by August 16th, after which he’ll meet Gerry Cardinale to discuss his future. Milan maintain that they consider him a crucial part of Ruben Amorim’s project going forward. Even though his recent decision to delete all his Instagram posts has alarmed fans, the club maintain that his entourage has not conveyed their intention to leave.
Maignan, contracted to remain at San Siro until June 2031, has been subject to interest from Saudi side Al-Nassr.
Losing Maignan would be bad, and an even worse sign of things to come
Despite how Milan fared last campaign, Maignan’s reputation remains lofty and has only sustained its heights after the World Cup.
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While this is not the first time Maignan has been linked with a move away from Milan, with the Premier League always lurking in the corner, it does look ominous this time, given the Al-Nassr interest and Maignan’s prolonged absense.
Milan have not had the best of starts under Ruben Amorim. Three friendlies in, and all they’ve put up are three disappointing performances, with their last game’s 3–0 defeat to Chelsea nicely punctuating the two underwhelming draws that came before.
Things are already looking shaky for Amorim. If he were to see his captain and one of the most senior players walk away before the season starts, it won’t be long before alarm bells start ringing for him at the club, especially if these “friendly” results continue.
Anshuman Joshi | GIFN
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