Mike Maignan, Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao stand out as three pillars and world class players in the AC Milan squad, which is why the rumours of interest from abroad have caused some concern.
As Calciomercato.com recall, the last three seasons have done nothing but reinforce the profound belief within the Rossoneri that Maignan, Theo and Leao are the three main assets of a squad that is young by average age and with still margins to grow.
They are also three fixed points around which to rebuild in view of next season. In the mind of the owner Gerry Cardinale, directors Geoffrey Moncada and Antonio D’Ottavio plus the CEO Giorgio Furlani, raising funds for the summer can come from exits of those who occupy a lower position in the ranking of the untouchables.
However, there is a necessary caveat: as the case of Sandro Tonali demonstrated in the summer of 2023, Milan under RedBird Capital have showed that sporting competitiveness goes hand in hand with financial balance there are no non-transferable players.
Mike Maignan
We begin from what is apparently most delicate situation to date, the one linked to the future of Maignan. He has a contract that expires in June 2026, a salary of €3.2m net per season – far from that of the top players in the role around Europe – and interest from Bayern Munich.
The first proposal of €5m net per season plus bonuses presented by Milan for an extension did not meet the approval of the entourage of the French national team goalkeeper, which aims for a starting base of €8m net per season.
The Rossoneri recognise the importance of Maignan on the pitch and in terms of leadership in the dressing room and will make new attempts, but has already set a starting valuation of €80-90m for the summer if offers come in.
Theo Hernandez
As with Maignan, the first exploratory surveys by Bayern Munich have been recorded for Theo, who are looking for potential replacements for Alphonso Davies given he is increasingly oriented towards going to Real Madrid.
Theo renewed his deal in February 2022 until the summer of 2026 and for him too, Milan are starting to think about the possibility of further extending a bond that has become increasingly stronger over time.
The plan is to agree a new deal until 2029 with a further increase in salary from the current €4.5m net per season plus bonuses. The economic power of Bayern Munich – in addition to their ambition to compete for the biggest trophies – could present difficulty.
However, Milan are asking for no less than €100m for him, recognising his status as the best left back in Europe.
Rafael Leao
We started from a goalkeeper, moved on to a defender and we end with Leao, who in the minds of the Milan leaders represents the most precious gem who is capable of making a difference at any moment.
As he demonstrated during the last league match against Atalanta, the Portuguese winger is the main driving force. Leao has an inestimable value for those who are in charge at Milan today, also because the bond between the parties is deep.
Last year the former Lille man signed a new contract until 2028, bringing his salary to €7m net including bonuses. That, plus the fact he was given the iconic No.10 shirt, was signal was sent to everyone.
Premier League clubs like Chelsea have tried in the past, but there are other teams such as Paris Saint-Germain who are considering making a three-figure big for a player who in their imagination could be the ideal replacement for the departing Kylian Mbappé.
The release clause of €175m is peace of mind, and it means that only huge offers would only bring Milan to the table. The words repeated on more than one occasion and also reiterated by Leao last night suggest he isn’t in a hurry to go: “I couldn’t leave Milan, I see myself here in the future.”
His thoughts echo those of Milan who, barring sensational twists, have already decided: they will start again with Maignan, Theo Hernandez and Leao.