He'll be 39 in October. Not 33, nor 35, nor 37. But 39! He cannot keep it up. He'll keep getting injured and be out of breath by the 60th minute. We could keep him and use him sparingly, but that's 12M of yearly salary we're talking about. I mean, if that's not a problem for management, then go for it! But we cannot start the season thinking Ibra will be our main striker that will score +20 goals for us in the league.

Why not? He scored 1 in two this season.

If the lad can keep fit, there's nothing stopping him.

I would agree on cost issues - we do need to reduce the salary and he also won't be 100% at all times.

But you spoke at length about the psychological impact of his presence. Raising everyone else's game.

It would be a shame to ditch that don't you think?

Like I said, if his high wages are not a problem, and we also sign another quality striker, then I have absolutely no problem keeping Ibra. Just don't want us to rely too much on him.

Every team he's ever played for, Man Utd aside, has. It's the Ibra effect. I take your point, but let's not muck about with youth project piffle or 'building for the future' stuff.

It doesn't happen. Success only happens by luck or having a truly extraordinary manager, or with lots of money.

Liverpool took five years under Klopp to become the best team in Europe - but they spent a tonne to get there, he's an incredible manager, and only one maybe two kids ever broke through to be part of that.

I wasn't aware of the fact that Rangnick was one of the pioneers of gegenpressing, and one of Klopp's biggest inspirations.

Don't see Ibra fitting into his system. In fact, when asked yesterday about Ragnick, Ibra, in typical Ibra fashion, said: "Who is Rangnick? I don't even know who he is." (Link)

That pretty much seals it.

That article more slammed Milan than anything else tbh. But yes, he'll be gone before the season is even over tbh after that rant.

Now that Ragnick is not coming, I think we'll take a more measured approach in the transfer market.

Seems we're interested in Emerson Royal for the RB position and Roca as their agents were at Casa Milan yesterday.

CB has to be a key position to upgrade this summer as well as RW

I read we’ll have a 100M budget for the mercato. And that we’re interested in Tonali.

Tonali and Bennacer in the pivot wold be interesting for sure, but Kessie has improved so much in this new role. I'd really question spending so much money on Tonali at this point.

For me priority goes as follows for what positions to focus on

1. Starting CB
2. Starting RW
3. Starting RB
4. CF (who can take over for Ibra)
5. 2 Backup DM (Krunic and Biglia are simply not up to the task)
6. Backup LB (Laxalt simply does not cut it)

1. Yes
2. For me this should be the priority. Having people like Castillejo and Sale-maker in there really robs us of one extra man.
3. The least important spot to fill. Calabria has been playing well.
4. This depends on what happens with Ibra. If he stays, then I can't see us making an important signing. But if he leaves, we need an absolutely top striker there.
5. Yes. Biglia was so, so bad last night, and Krunic is just crap.
6. Yes.

I think Samu is an okay back up. Salemakers is just another Borini, decent utility but nothing else. I'd personally like to see us keeping Samu as the backup, sell Salemaker and get in someone good for that RW. Jeremy Boga or I'd even look into Deulefeu. I can't see us spending big here, but someone who's fast with good technique should be the goal

Sadly we'll probably sell Calabria instead of Conti if we get a new starting RB, which is something the management is currently working on going by the rumours. I'd prefer to keep Calabria, as Conti is just not my cup of tea, but the financial benefit of selling Calabria will dictate that we sell him rather than Conti.

I think even if Ibra stays (which is looking more and more likely) I think we should get someone in this summer who's capable of taking over. Ibra will not be able to play all the games and while there is Leao, he's still to green. And I really want to avoid us having to face the void Ibra will leave when he moves on. We've already experienced that in the past and suffered the consequences. Thinking ahead here is crucial.

Yes, Castillejo as sub would be fine. But I think we need to spend big on this one. It doesn't necessarily have to be a big name, which is out of our possibilities anyway, but someone young with great prospect. Someone like Boga (cost around 40M), although I would prefer a left-footed winger. When you're playing 4-2-3-1 having inverted wingers who can cut in on their preferred foot can make a world of difference.

Sadly in this market, even someone who's not a big name will cost a lot. I can't see us spending 40m on just this position though, especially considering the issues we have at CB

I don't really care if it is a right/left footed player, the most important thing for me is that he's fast and technical. Suso was left footed, but he was slow and therefore slowed down the play too much by always cutting in.

What issues at CB? Kjaer has been great, Musacchio will have recovered by next season. We hardly have any issues other than signing another good CB.

The real issue is the right wing. Do you or do you not realise that such a crucial position for a 4-2-3-1 formation is being occupied by people like Castillejo and Sale-maker? Downright mediocre to absolute crap. We need to focus all our attention on that position. CB, CF etc. are all secondary in comparison.

We've been forced to play with Gabbia on more occasions than I care to even think about

Duarte seems to be made of glass. Musacchio is also injury prone and last I read we were looking into selling him. Kjaer is going through a very good moment, no doubt, but I wouldn't feel comfortable going into a new season with the options we have. I still think giving Romagnoli a proper partner should be top of our list.

And I agree that RW is a critical position as well. But we're scoring freely right now even with the mediocre options at present. Both Samu and the salesman seem to be giving Pioli what he needs to make the attack function. But atm, our left side is like a Ferrari while our right side is a Fiat. We need to fix this as it is the foundation of our team.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves. The team has found its footing, but remember we need to challenge for those top spots. We can't do that with barbie and salesman. We need to up our game, and RW is a position that need special attention when the mercado kicks in.

As for CB, Musacchio is not injury prone. Aside from this injury, he's always been consistent (29 games last season in the league). But yes, we need another good CB. Whether to partner with Romagnoli or to act as Kjaer's sub I don't care.

In all honesty, I don't see us making the moves you guys mention.

Going after a good CB is IMO out of question. If Musacchio leaves, then maybe we'll be considering someone short-term. But it seems that we are happy with Gabbia getting some playing time (even though I think he's poor). We still have Duarte (and "made of glass" isn't quite an argument while he's still part of our team). Kjaer has been excellent. The only right move IMO would be to go after Thiago Silva for free.

I think the fullback positions are okay, even though we should perhaps sell one of Conti/Calabria and buy a more intelligent and/or defensive right fullback.

In midfield maybe Bakayoko could still bring in some quality. Biglia will sure be gone, I think Bonaventura will stay as a rotational option, but wouldn't mind him leave as well. Tonali would be interesting but I don't think he's reachable. Krunić is crap and can move on IMO. Don't know if we have some player on our radar; Roca of Espanyol has been mentioned but nothing seems to be done yet.

The winger positions are questionable. Have we even signed Rebić yet our will this turn into a saga/problem? We definitively should sell Saelemakers, but again I don't see that happening. We just recently bought him! Also not sure if we have the right money to sign a quality RW but we definitively should try so.

Attack? Well, I'm still sad we lost out on Cutrone, I'd rather have him then Leao. Ibra will most probably stay, which is good but I think we need a third striker option. Also very unclear who this should be.

One big problem is that Milan seems to take time in making deals. We've been chasing Tonali for a long time and other teams picked up, offered more and he seems to be gone. Same will happen to the other good youngsters we have in mind. And with Boban gone who had perhaps the clearest vision of what to do with Milan, I'm quite pessimistic about the summer transfer market. But maybe Pioli will surprise us once more and pull out a season like he did with Lazio years ago.

Fillipo my man, where have you been? You've been missed.

To address some of your points:

1. It's a fact we're going to sign another CB. We were linked with Celtic's Ajer but apparently he costs a lot. Now we've swerved towards Fiorentina's Milenkovic. Last I read our offer was a loan swap or a proper swap with Paqueta. Fiorentina value him at 35M.

2. It seems that with Kessie and Hakan's positive performances lately we might actually have the whole midfield starting positions covered. Although Tonali still remains a valid objective. Let's see what happens.

3. I think we'll sign Rebic definitely. Let's not forget the loan swap with Silva was for two years. His contract with Eintracht expires in 2021 so he would actually come for free.

4. A quality RW is a necessity, I cannot stress this enough. Last I read we'll have a budget of 100M for this campaign, I would definitely spend at least 35-40M on that position.

5. Cutrone for me is absolutely mediocre, I'm glad we got rid of him. Leao is still a question mark. Sometimes he looks impressive, sometimes I wanna punch him. But at least he has the potential to become great, unlike Cutrone.

Well, I finished my Phd and had to deal with COVID19, the earthquake and a flood now... but here I am back with you guys...

Congrats on the PHD man. Hope you well now from Covid and safe from the natural disasters

PFFFFFT those lot held you back? Lightweight

(kidding, glad you're well)

Hopefully all will be well and behind us all.

Congratulations Dr.! You are a true fighter!

Glad that you are back

Congrats!



Oh and you reminded me of T. Silva. Would be great if we could bring him in to do something similar to what Zlatan did in attack.

Problem with the Silva thing is alongside Kjaer that's an 176-year old defence.

Yes, but Romagnoli will be the principal partner, so I don't see a problem. We also have some youngsters in Gabbia and Duarte. I would sign Thiago silva outright if he is free. I'm sure he would love to come back to Milan with Zlatan. I mean this move makes perfect sense. Otherwise, I would leave the CB position the same, and focus on other areas of the patch as X-Off mentioned

Agreed

It would be hilarious, though. If Ibra also stays, we'd have back the two players we sold in 2012 that marked the end of the great Milan. Only now one at 39 the other at 36 for the great revival.

I don't think Silva will be coming, though. No rumours whatsoever about it.

Anyway, if there is one player in Italy I would totally make a huge sacrifice for, that is Zaniolo. This kid is absolutely fantastic. Never has a player reminded me of Kaka' as much as he does. Whoever wants him needs to splash out 60M right now unless they want to pay double next summer.

No chance imo.

He'll probably go to Juve though, as per usual


We're being heavily linked with Aurier for the RB position. Thoughts?

I'm not sure 60 M will do it, sadly. :/

Imagine getting both Tonali and Zaniolo.

Dodgy UK site again linking Alfredo Morelos with Milan.

What position does he play? Have to admit I know nothing about him




Agreement reached between Milan and Torino for Ricardo Rodriguez’s sale. Rodriguez to Torino for €3M+bonus. The player’s OK is expected to arrive tomorrow - Di Marzio


Good, now let's get rid of Reina, Musacchio/Duarte and Krunic if possible. I really wish we'd also sell Conti but it looks like Calabria will be the one to go, which is sad for me as I've always really liked him, not to mention he's come through our youth teams. Conti will always be average not to mention ridiculously injury prone

1 CB, 1 RW, 1 RB, 2 CMs and a CF if possible please Paolo and we'll be good

He's a 5ft 10 version of Ibra. Colombian. Very similar in many ways. More tempestuous.

Should point out he's at Rangers right now.

Aren't you a little bit obsessed with pretty much unimportant deals? I mean Krunić is a last option midfielder, in all honest I don't give a rats *** if we keep him or bring in just another bum to replace him. Cause we already lost Bona and Biglia and I really think we need the numbers as well as quality. Same goes for Duarte... who cares if he leaves or not?

Now Reina and Musacchio make a different argument completely because they both have a larger salary and could still bring in some money via transfer.

Ibra won't be present tomorrow at the reprisal of the training.

I can't believe he's asking 7M at 39 of age. I mean, we're offering him 5M + bonuses and prime league football. No other club can offer him that. If he keeps persisting with his demands then he can f*ck off in Dubai or some other godforsaken league where he can earn his big bucks.

Jeez, football players are such greedy mofos. He has earned so much money throughout his career that he will never spend in his lifetime, and yet acts like a little b*tch.

It's apparently not about money, I think.

Bah, they are not greedy. You demand what you deserve. The club has a lot of money too.

Don't believe the bullshit Raiola feeds you. It's apparently not just about money, but also about convictions and style, whatever the f*ck that's supposed to mean.

I'm pissed because I know full well in Europe no other club is willing to sign him and offer him that much money, that's all. And if he wishes to continue playing in a major league, then he should wisen up and sign.

And how in the world are football players not greedy? You honestly believe they deserve all those insane wages for kicking a ball around? All they think about is money. Gone are the days when a player was attached to his shirt first and foremost. Football has become a degenerate business, and the players have been sucked into it, manipulated by their agents and all the money.

Raiola is a scumbag. No need to say any more.

A genius scumbag, unfortunately.

In other news, T. Silva is a free agent now and many clubs are being linked, but I don't read our name in the list. Why are we not considering him? Even for at least one season, he'd be a great asset to have. Last night he was one of the best on PSG's side.

I'd give Ibra my other half if he wanted her. Fact is give the man what he wants, he's still the best player in Serie A.

Throw in mine too.

So an article on football Italia is saying that we have a budget of 30 mln for transfers. That's quite crap if true

Not sure I believe that.

Capello bigging up Morelos - I know Milan scouts watched him last season, suspect they're waiting till the end of the window to bid something.

He'll cost 20M Euros.

Maldini earlier:



Sounds to me we'll have a limited budget. I just hope we can address at least a couple of urgent matters, like the CB, RB and RW.

Reports from Mediaset today that we're interested in Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz (AM/winger).

They're prtty much said that we're looking to have 2 players for each position, and we will most likely only buy if we sell.

Krunic, Duarte, Salemakers, Musacchio, they are all taking up a space that could by someone better. That's why I don't like having such filler players on the team

Add the terrible contracts Mirabelli gave to players like Reina and it makes it eve worse.

We've already offloaded bug salaries off the books this summer. And that's a big step.

And personally, I;d rather have 1 very good CB instead of keeping both Duarte and Musacchio, just for the sake of having more bodies in the squad. That's why I'm obsossed with getting rid of these kinds of players


Ibra, deserves that money though, and that is his point. So matter his age, he's still our most important player imo, and that gives him the leverage. It's not really about the money, but Ibra is making sure the club values him as the star of this team. Which he is, no matter what his age is

Anyways, some really exciting rumours going around atm.

We're being heavily linked to Tonali by Di Marzio and Romano, add to that we seem to be working on Brahim Diaz (RW/AM from Real), Bakayoko and Aurier. All transfers that would improve our current squad.

Once again though, can't see any of these happening without some exits before hand

Bakayoko is sh*te. He was rotten for us. Can't understand why we want him back.

And interesting, remember how bad Ocampos was for us? Ended up valued at 40M at Sevilla.

Funny how it goes eh?

What in god’s name... Bakayoko was easily one of our best players two years ago. He would be a great addition.

If we manage to sign Aurier, Bakayoko, Tonali and Brahim I would be very pleased.