Friday, April 18, 2014

A.C. Mi-loan: How Rami and Taarabt have impacted Milan

Loans, loans, loans. If Milan had a club dictionary, the word would be in bold. Galliani is known, as of late, for being a "picker." The players other clubs don't want or need become Galliani's treasure. A club not sitting on a pile of cash needs these moves to work simply because the big time talents demand money Milan simply don't have (or do they?)

Two players that have made the most of their loan moves to Milan are Adil Rami and Adel Taarabt. Both players have been practically full-time starters for Seedorf since their arrival this past winter. But why have they had success? Here's why.

Let's start with Adil Rami. The 28 year old French international arrived on loan from Valencia after having a fallout with the club. The center back has been a rock for Milan ever since he arrived, having been a dominant defender while scoring a few key goals as well. A posing presence and one who is good in the air on set-pieces,  Rami has easily been the best center back on the squad. Milan's defensive issues have been well documented for months but he has been a positive. Seedorf will continue to pencil in Rami as a starter for the remainder of the season.

As for Taarabt, where do I begin. Like many of the Milan supporters, I had my doubts about Taarabt's arrival, having heard many negative comments about his attitude, work ethic and ability to be a team player. However, he has silenced the critics by providing flare that has been lacking from Milan especially since El Shaarawy has been sidelined for months. Having played mostly as a left-midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the 24 year old Moroccan has shown skill, technique and drive. He has also scored 3 goals for Milan, which has been another positive. He will continue to get the nod from Seedorf as his confidence is high.

But of course, can Milan retain Rami, Taarabt or both permanently when their loan moves expire this June? Rami's buy-back option is €7mil but Milan want to secure his services for €4mil. Taarabt's agent, according to a Goal.com article , has stated that the player will most likely seal a permanent move to Milan for around €4mil. Barring any snags in the negotiations, expect Galliani to keep Taarabt here for the mentioned fee. As for Rami, its a bit more complicated. The player has stated his intent to stay at Milan but agreeing on a fee to keep him here could get tricky. His performance has many clubs watching, one reportedly being Manchester United, who will lose Vidic this summer to Inter.

Rami and Taarabt have expressed their desire to stay at Milan and the Rossoneri want them back. As we draw closer to the end of the season, we should learn more about each player's place at Milan.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Milan linked to Coentrão. Could De Sciglio be headed to Real Madrid?

Fábio Coentrão, the Portuguese international and current Real Madrid defender, has been linked to Milan for several months now. The 26 year-old doesn't appear to be unsettled with his current situation. However, in the modern era of football, players come and go for reasons sometimes undefined.

Coentrão is a player Milan could surely use as Abate appears to be headed to another club this summer with Lazio interested in the Italian international. Milan has very few options that can be deployed as a left or right-back. Coentrão provides pace, attacking ability on counters and a good amount of experience at one of the world's most successful clubs. A serviceable option for Seedorf to use in multiple formations, Coentrão is the type of player Milan needs going forward to reconstruct a back-line that, in the past, has been full of world-class players. Coentrão would likely have a price tag of around €15-20 million, which leads into the next part of this write-up: Mattia De Sciglio


21 year-old Milan RB/LB Mattia De Sciglio is one of, if not, the best young defender at his position
in Europe. His talent, ability and rise through the Milan youth academy have made him a fan-favorite and a player Milan fans would love to see retire at the club. De Sciglio is expected to be in Prandelli's starting Italian squad this summer for the World Cup and he has certainly earned the spot. However, his performance has caught the attention of Europe as Real Madrid are reportedly set to make a large offer for him this summer.

Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid are heavily interested in acquiring De Sciglio as they are reportedly ready to bid around €20mil for his services. Of course, Milan would love to keep De Sciglio as they see him as the starting LB/RB for years to come. However, money talks and if Galliani receives a lucrative offer for De Sciglio this summer, he could be departing.

Milan like Coentrão and Madrid like De Sciglio. Could a swap +cash deal be in the pipeline? Don't rule out anything. Milan typically don't sell a player that hasn't reached peak value or full potential. (Think El Shaarawy last summer). However, De Sciglio has performed like a veteran in his prime and his value may be at its highest level. In addition, Seedorf has started looking for talent he wants to bring in this summer and Davide Santon remains a potential target so perhaps management has already thought about this scenario?

Do I want Milan to sell De Sciglio? Of course not. Is it out of the question to say he could be sold this summer? No. Read with caution.....and a tissue.