Making the Grade?

Normally, after the season ends, I am just covering my head with a blanket that will not be lifted until September 1st. I call it my “Wake me when the mercato is over” blanket. But this year I have an unhealthy interest in the transfer market because of the brain drain of losing so many senators all at once. Add to that Financial Fair Play and some frightening realities about the financial state of Milan, and this mercato could play out worse than a horror movie.

Technically, the transfer window doesn’t officially open until July 1st, but Milan have already made 3 moves: an inconsistent midfielder from Fiorentina that they have been stalking since he was 7 years old, a virtually unknown Mali player from a midtable French team, and a 19 year-old Brazilian keeper who still doesn’t have his EU passport just yet. Add to that Galliani trolling for free transfers and actually begging Liverpool to let Aquilani leave for free… well, it’s looking to be a bumpy ride this summer.

Keep in mind that last year at this time, Galliani was considered an evil genius, bringing in loan deals, full ownership of players, and quality deals from other clubs, too, after back to back brilliant mercati. He followed up this pre-mercato genius with deals like the last minute purchase of Nocerino, which turned out to be the deal of the season. That deal alone erased the memory of the Mr. X joke that fans didn’t necessarily find so funny. So comparing last year to this year, has he lost his touch or have other clubs finally caught on to his methods? Or is he perhaps just messing with us while he secretly plans the most amazing mercato ever?

Today I’m asking you, the fans, to rate Milan’s forays into the transfer market thus far. Please give your grade primarily on the already reported deals, even if it’s difficult to ignore all of the haunting and also tantalizing rumors being offered hourly by the media. Also take into consideration Milan’s transfer practices and policies, as well as their financial management skills. Select your grade, and then feel free to discuss in the comments.

Also, if anyone hears of any players over the age of 30, available on a free transfer, and willing to play for less than 5 mil/yr. on a 1 year contract, please call Galliani. He is looking for “steals” like these.

"Free transfer? Call me."

This post inspired by the music of Adele