More
so than most seasons, this summer transfer market seems like a bad TV gameshow
– we will either win some kind of prize whose value is enhanced by music,
lighting, and an always smiling TV model, or we will lose everything in one simple
spin of the wheel. The first option applies to transfers that are potentially
overhyped, or, if we’re lucky, actually live up to or exceed expectations. The
second, currently the object of much discussion in the media, is the loss of
players like Ibra or Thiago Silva, with the hope that their transfer fees may
be able to fund the transfer of multiple players to reinforce the rest of the
squad. This week we already felt like the wheel was going to stop on “Lose
Thiago Silva,” only it was much worse than a dumb game show. (And technically,
it could still happen, for the right price.) But now nothing seems worse than
that, so it’s time to take your chances on the
(insert audience shouting along here) Wheel.... Of... Misfortune!
Around
and round it goes, where it stops, nobody knows… We won’t know what we’ve won
or lost until August 31st, but until then, let’s look at some of the rumors and
hot topics of discussion if we were to spin this wheel today…
Renew Seedorf Allegri said right after
the last match that those who have said they are leaving will leave. But
Seedorf didn’t take that hint and still kept threatening to stay. So Galliani
came out and said that Ibra would wear the number 10 jersey, still Seedorf made
threats to stay. But hopefully he will get a lucrative offer from somewhere he
likes and he will ride off into the sunset and let us enjoy the memories of his
champion days in peace.
Lose Ibra I addressed the domino effect
this move
would have recently, and the same is true and perhaps even more so if we lost
Thiago Silva, as he is not just some mercenary on borrowed time, but rather
considered the future captain and heir to Maldini or Baresi. But I still say
that losing Ibra this summer would have devastating effects not only this
season but for our foreseeable future, too.
 |
| I see Acerbi has already met Ibra. |
Buy Acerbi Nesta was not going to be
literally replaceable, but one would hope that the club would at least try to
find someone with his quality. Instead, they’ve set their sights on 24 year old
Chievo Verona center back and known Milanista Francesco Acerbi. He might just
work out, but I wasn’t particularly impressed with him when I saw him play, so
it is unlikely he will provide a fraction of the security that Nesta provided,
and will more likely tax Thiago Silva by having to cover two spots.
Keep Bonera But hey, anything is better
than Bonera, right? He’s the guy I’d love to love, willing to play whatever
position, works hard, has a great attitude, is a great team player. Now if only
he could defend. I mean more than just a couple of games a year. Oh, and not
conceding, would that be too much to ask? Yes, apparently it is. By keeping
this level of player and giving him so many matches, it speaks volumes of the
quality level Milan is aiming for. If they keep players like this as their
go-to guys, they don’t just need a manager, they need a freaking magician.
 |
| Milan wants me? I better get in shape! |
Buy Rigoni So Marco Rigoni is a central
midfielder who finished his youth team years at Juve and transitioned to their
first team. In four years with their first team, he made ONE appearance, having
been loaned to Serie B teams two of those years. Serie B was his thing for
pretty much his whole career, except when he played a season in Lega Pro (Serie
C.) But he was promoted to Serie B and then Serie A along with this club, the
highly successful Novara, now relegated once more to Serie B. So at 32, now he
is suddenly worthy of a club like AC Milan. Or, more likely, he fits our budget.
There
are so many other rumors, some of them great. Getting players like Witsel,
Strootman, Astori, and others supposedly linked with the club sound perfect.
But with nothing known specifically as to how much money Milan have for
transfers this season, and the players themselves saying there is no money at
the club, only sacrificing a player like Silva or taking the cash infusion from
Fly Emirates will make that happen. And just like a game show, that requires
luck.
 |
| Luck or faith? Maybe we could sign the pope. |
Perhaps
come August 31st, some miracle investor will have swooped in and we can make
all of our transfer dreams come true, just like someone winning the lottery or
something. But more than likely, we will just have to prepare ourselves for the
Wheel of Misfortune. Remember, we are keeping Muntari and getting rid of Maxi
Lopez and probably Aquilani. And our club is trying to tell us that keeping a player we already have is the "signing of the season." Re-gifting at its finest. It could be worse, we could be Inter. I will
gladly test my luck at spinning the wheel over being an Inter fan. At least we
made it to the show.
For
info. on when your favorite Milan players are playing at the Euros, check here.
This post inspired by the music of
The La’s