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AC Milan will make every effort to keep Mike Maignan, and in the coming weeks they will attempt to work towards a contract renewal.
As Corriere dello Sport (via PressReader) report this morning, Maignan’s contract expires in seven months, but Milan are looking for the right path to convince him to extend his deal. Massimiliano Allegri will play a key role in this effort.
At Milanello, the coach speaks almost daily with Maignan about the present and the future, praising him at every opportunity. Allegri considers Mike’s value invaluable: he sees him as a natural leader, and there will always be room for players like Maignan in his squad.
In fact, back in the summer when Milan were in talks with Chelsea over the Frenchman, Allegri consistently urged them to keep him. When the two clubs failed to reach an agreement on his transfer fee, both Igli Tare and Allegri moved to secure Maignan for at least a year.
Now, with his contract expiring in just a few months, Milan are wondering how to avoid losing him for nothing. The chemistry between Allegri and Maignan is special: the captain trusts his coach implicitly, and this year he has rediscovered a physical and mental state he’s been lacking for some time.
A crucial relationship?
Another secret at Milanello is the presence of goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi. Allegri specifically requested the former Juventus man because he’s among the best at his job, and the results are starting to show.
Maignan seems more responsive between the posts and has also increased his penalty save rate. In just a few league games, he was the undisputed star against Roma and Inter, saving two spot kicks from Paulo Dybala and Hakan Calhanoglu, two penalty specialists.
Allegri hopes that the positive season (so far), the renewed enthusiasm from the fans and the strong relationship he’s established will help convince the goalkeeper. Maignan was hurt and angered after reaching an agreement over a €5m net per year renewal earlier this year that was then reneged upon.
Possible destinations
There’s another aspect to consider, and it concerns the potential clubs where Maignan could play. Mike’s entourage is aiming to take him to the Premier League with a salary much higher than the €5m Milan could offer for an extension.
Many teams there are already covered with established goalkeepers, like Manchester City and Liverpool. Opportunities could arise with Chelsea, who tried to snap him up at a bargain price this summer, or at Manchester United, even though there is a lot of pressure there.
In Italy, Juventus are admirers of the former Lille man, but his salary is prohibitive. Maignan wouldn’t want to displease his current fans by choosing a direct rival of Milan either.
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