Milan have had a very unique summer. If you call changing ownership by default to a hedge fund and having a European ban overturned by
the CAS “unique.” But those events directly impacted our mercato, more
specifically, the club’s ability to make any moves in the mercato in or out.
And with everything being delayed so late in the summer, it has fallen on our
new management, minus an actual CEO, to work out a mercato of procrastination.
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| Signing of the Century. |
Mirabelli left us a couple of gifts, free transfers that
were worked out in May, well ahead of the summer:
IN: Pepe Reina on a free transfer from Napoli, 3 year
contract
IN: Ivan Strinic on a free transfer from Sampdoria, 3
year contract
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| Mirabelli reportedly signed him to replace Gigio, instead we have an epic goalkeeping force |
After all of the penniless owners and unduly harsh UEFA
punishments were removed, Elliott Management brought in Leonardo as the new
Sporting Director, then he quickly convinced Maldini to join him. Only there
wasn’t much time left, and our temporary captain wanted out. Because of
everything going on and the parameters of time and money, I feel like
everything that has happened since has been nothing short of miraculous.
OUT: Gustavo Gomez to Palmeiras, 1 year loan with right
of redemption
OUT: Leonardo Bonucci to Juventus, a direct swap in
player value
IN: Mattia Caldara from Juventus, a younger and more
loyal version in this swap
IN: Gonzalo Higuain loan from Juve, €18m paid 1 yr. loan,
option to buy for €36m in 2 pmts.
OUT: Nikola Kalinic sold to Atletico Madrid for €15m
OUT: Antonelli contract terminated by mutual consent,
Empoli picked him up on a 3 year deal
OUT: André Silva loaned to Sevilla for €5m with a right
to buy for €30m
OUT: Locatelli loan to Sassuolo, €2m pd. loan w/obligation
to buy for €10m (+ €2m in bonuses)
IN: Tiemoué Bakayoko from Chelsea, €5m pd. loan w/option
to buy for €35m*
IN: Samu Castillejo loaned from Villarreal for €3m, obligation
to buy for €15m + Bacca*
OUT: Carlos Bacca to Villarreal, as part of the deal for
Castillejo*
*These deals are reported to be done, pending medicals,
and not official yet as of this writing.
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| Amazing players, amazing at trolling, too |
There is still much to be done in the next four days until
the transfer window slams shut. Most notably, Montolivo, who was told to find a
new club, needs to get the hell out of our club. There are a number of young
players that need to find new clubs as well, whether it be on loan or permanent
deals. Then there is the ever-present need for a new central midfielder. While
fans beg for “the dream,” there is no progress reported there. That French guy
reportedly turned down a contract extension, and might satisfy the insatiable
desires of Milan fans for a decent player at that spot. But the trouble is, not
only did Leonardo and Maldini come in very late to the party, they have very
little in the way of money to spend, given the parameters of FFP. Elliott
Management coming in and wiping away our debt is such a massive blessing, but
it would be in vain if we overspent and didn’t honor FFP guidelines.
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| His exit would make it the perfect mercato |
When you consider the position we were in when the mercato
opened, completely paralyzed, then we have actually done very well. Bringing back Maldini alone after nine years of anguish makes it the best mercato in at
least a decade. But if we are to be greedy, I know fans want something more to
make it even better. However, even if this was the end of the mercato, I, for
one am grateful for an amazing amount accomplished with little time and less
money. It’s not bad for a mercato of procrastination.
This post inspired by the music of Muse’s
“Time is Running Out”
Our next match is
Serie A Week 1
Milan vs. Genoa
Sunday, August 19
• 20:30 CEST (2:30pm EDT)