Bendoni: Aberdeen and Milan in talks over Lazetic – why a free transfer is possible

AC Milan and Aberdeen are reportedly working on a deal involving the young striker Marko Lazetic, with the Rossoneri keen on getting it over the line. 

Lazetic was signed by Milan back in January 2022 from Red Star Belgrade, and at the time, he was only 18 years old. The Rossoneri paid a hefty €4.9m for his services and while he impressed with the Primavera in spells, his development never took off at the club.

Loan moves to Altach, Fortuna Sittard and FK TSC didn’t exactly help the striker, returning to Milan this summer with an estimated market value of just €800k (per Transfermarkt). That being said, it seems not everyone has given up on the Serbian.

Aberdeen resume negotiations

According to Luca Bendoni, who works for Gianluca Di Marzio, Aberdeen have re-opened talks with Milan after initially expressing an interest in Lazetic six months ago. The Rossoneri are willing to let him go on a permanent basis, as long as a significant future resale clause is included.

This is something we have seen with several players in the last few years. For example, Daniel Maldini joined Monza for free but Milan included a 50% resale clause, which came in handy when Atalanta signed him for €14m.

Lazetic’s contract will expire next summer so it’s clear that the Rossoneri don’t have a fantastic position in the negotiations. However, by letting him leave for free with a resale clause, an agreement should be reached with the Scottish side.