Serie A giants Milan were close to losing Mike Maignan last summer. If not for Max Allegri’s interference, the keeper would have departed and joined Chelsea.
As he harbours disappointment about the failure to qualify for the Champions League, the Frenchman will soon make a decision about his future.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Maignan’s agent is already at work to explore market options, if Maignan decides to leave. The player is in no hurry and will a decision after the World Cup.
There is an awareness that big clubs like Chelsea, Tottenham and Juventus possibly want goalkeepers but they won’t be playing in the Champions League. This is prompting Maignan to take time and focus his energy on the World Cup.
Milan are desperate to keep the player too but it may not come down to them. A host of clubs are interested in the 30-year-old and if forced into a sale, Milan won’t go below a demand of €45 million.
Maignan’s doubts are no surprise
In the last two seasons, Milan have done nothing to show that they have a long-term, viable sporting plan. This will naturally make their best players question their future, especially as someone like Maignan could be in for his last big pay-cheque.
It is also wise to wait and see how situations of other clubs unfold. It is still very early in the market and a good World Cup will only escalate his value, allowing him to command a better wage.
Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN
