With just over a month remaining until the season opener on August 17th, AC Milan finds itself in a precarious position, still lacking starting fullbacks. The club believed it had found a viable option for the left-back position – a low-cost solution to potentially back up or even replace Theo Hernandez – in Archie Brown. However, in a twist straight out of a transfer market drama, Brown reportedly changed his mind late last Friday, swayed by a significantly more lucrative offer from Fenerbahçe. This unexpected turn means Milan must now recalibrate its search and prepare to invest more heavily to secure a left-sided defender.
The situation isn`t much simpler on the right flank. Milan`s second bid for Guéla Doué was rejected by Strasbourg. The offer, raised from €15 million to €18 million, still fell short of Strasbourg`s valuation, which stands at €25 million plus bonuses, possibly pushing towards €30 million. While Doué remains the preferred candidate for the role, the financial gap is substantial. Consequently, Almeria`s Marc Pubill, despite possessing different characteristics, is rapidly gaining prominence as a potential target.
A Deal Undone and Frustration Mounts
For the Brown deal, Milan was confident heading into the weekend. An agreement with the English defender was considered secure, and they had matched Galatasaray`s €8 million bid to Gent. The final document exchange with the Belgian club was seen as a mere formality. Milan had even arranged a private flight for the player and scheduled medical tests. Brown himself confirmed, “The negotiation with Milan was practically done, and I was ready to leave.”
Yet, Friday night brought a sudden silence from Brown`s agent, followed by an explanation the next morning: a late-night call from the Fenerbahçe president (reportedly “motivated” by none other than José Mourinho) had altered the landscape. The “motivation” wasn`t just verbal; it included a significant increase in both agent commissions and the player`s salary, skyrocketing from Milan`s proposed €1.4 million plus bonuses for five years to €3.5 million for the same duration. Milan didn`t even entertain matching the offer, as it would have disrupted their wage structure (Brown would earn as much as Luka Modric, who took a pay cut to join). The behavior of both the player and his new agent, particularly after Brown had initially indicated his preference for Milan and declined a flight to Turkey, has understandably caused frustration at the club. Now, sporting director Igli Tare and CEO Giorgio Furlani must reassess their options for a left-back. Girona`s Miguel Gutierrez remains a possibility, but his price tag is high. Other left-backs are being proposed daily, but Milan needs to make a decisive move.
The Bidding War Heats Up
On the right, after determining that Monaco`s Vanderson is too expensive, Furlani and Tare are still pursuing Guéla Doué. However, Strasbourg`s firm stance means Milan`s attempts to lower the price have failed. The French club is set on keeping Doué or selling him for no less than €25 million plus bonuses, potentially exceeding €30 million. This is deemed excessive, even for the preferred player, who has expressed a desire to leave Strasbourg and join Milan. As of yesterday, Milan is compelled to broaden their search and seriously consider Marc Pubill of Almeria. Pubill is reportedly valued at €15 million and is also on Wolverhampton`s radar.
However, a clear challenge for Milan in the current market is that their need for fullbacks is widely known, leading clubs to inflate asking prices specifically when negotiating with the Rossoneri. Coach Massimiliano Allegri requires two starting fullbacks, and the market is certainly capitalizing on this urgency. The pressure is on the Milan management to navigate this challenging environment and secure the necessary reinforcements before the season begins.
Murray Blackwood