GdS: ‘A Milan without Maignan’ – why exit feels certain with two replacements eyed

AC Milan now seem resigned to losing Mike Maignan on a free transfer and are beginning to look into replacements, a report claims.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) report, Maignan’s deal runs out at the end of the current season and negotiations over a possible renewal postponed until further notice, and this is causing quite a bit of worry.

In the meantime, new events could intervene and change the situation. Perhaps a return to the top of Italian football, the ambition of a Champions League title and Massimiliano Allegri’s strong faith could sway him, though at present Maignan seems set on leaving.

Crossroads and replacements

The current picture is different. Maignan, his agents and the club haven’t met to discuss a possible contract extension. When they did meet, months ago, the Frenchman’s demands were focused around a substantial salary increase.

On the other hand, the club remained cold toward the idea of ​​a significant investment in a 30-year-old player. Furthermore, Mike’s performances didn’t warm the management. As of today, his performances have improved, but nothing has changed off the pitch.

Everything is proceeding calmly, with no tensions emerging in the relationship between Milan and their goalkeeper. The two sides could part ways at the end of the season though, with Juventus, Chelsea and Bayern Munich interested.

For Milan, a free transfer would be anything but a financial drama: the €13m outlay in the summer of 2021 to sign the goalkeeper from Lille has since been paid off. Investing in the hefty salary of a player who turns 31 in July isn’t financially sound, and they believe he can be replaced.

Who could replace Maignan? Milan are looking both in Serie A and beyond. In Italy, they are eyeing Zion Suzuki, goalkeeper for Parma and the Japanese national team. At 23 years of age, he has 45 appearances for the Gialloblu, and his valuation has at least doubled compared to the €8m he cost.

Another option is found in the Bundesliga, specifically Freiburg. Noah Atubolu is fresh from his first call-up with Germany, thanks to his excellent performances in the league and the Europa League. He holds the record for penalties saved (five) since the start of 2024-25. His valuation? Around €18m.