Why Milan’s dream move for Milinkovic-Savic will remain just a dream

Sam Wilson @snhw_
22 dic 2018

Reports were released yesterday stating that in an interview with Radio Radio, frequent AS Roma commentator and journalist Franco Melli confirmed that Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to AC Milan is a done deal, with the midfielder set to move on loan with an option to buy. To provide context, the same Melli confirmed that Pato would be returning to Milan and that Daniele Rugani’s girlfriend informed him that the defender would be possibly moving to Roma. From Melli’s track record, red flags are immediately raised and thus, we will look at the other reasons why Milan’s ‘dream’ move for Milinkovic-Savic will remain just a dream.

Money and Financial Fair Play

Undoubtedly, Milinkovic-Savic would be available for a smaller fee compared to his €120m+ valuation during the summer. After a less than impressive season so far, aside from a goal today for the Biancocelesti in their 3-1 victory over Cagliari, Milinkovic-Savic could be available for around €80-€90m, a figure that may still be unattainable for AC Milan due to financial fair play restrictions. Milan are already appealing a potential fine and could face further repercussions from UEFA who continue their investigations into Milan’s breach of the regulations – which could lead the Rossoneri to a market ban or suspension from European competitions, as was nearly the case this season. The reports have stated that the deal would be a loan with an option to buy, yet the figures will still hinder Milan greatly if they were to complete a deal.

The competition and the sideways step

AC Milan currently sit in 5th in Serie A, currently facing off against Fiorentina in their game-in-hand over Lazio who played earlier today. A victory or draw would see Milan rise up to fourth place but the inescapable fact remains that a move to AC Milan would be nothing more than a sideways step for the Serbian. Lazio and Milan are relatively similar in terms of ability and are likely to be tussling it out with Roma and Atalanta for the fourth coveted Champions League spot; Juventus, Napoli and Inter running away with the first three – four points and a game-in-hand between Lazio and Inter. Similarly, AC Milan were knocked out of their Europa League group by Real Betis and Olympiakos; which would mean that Milinkovic-Savic would give up the chance at lifting a European trophy this season if he completed a loan move. Furthermore, this means that Milan have no chance at qualifying for next season’s Champions League unless they finish within the top four = missing out on the opportunity to qualify by lifting the Europa League.

Additionally, Milan will face steep competition for the Lazio midfielder, likely from Chelsea, PSG, Manchester United, Manchester City, Juventus and Real Madrid; all Champions League quality sides that the Serbian would almost certainly rather move to than to Milan. If the Serb is to leave Lazio, he will want the chance to play for one of Europe’s elite clubs and in the Champions League, something unlikely if he were to move across Italy to Milan.

In all, Milinkovic-Savic to Milan is likely nothing more than an unachievable pipe dream, and the Rossoneri will perhaps focus more on realistic targets such as Barcelona’s Denis Suarez or Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas.

For more news, views and features, visit our homepage.

For more Lazio exclusives, news and features, visit The Laziali!