GdS: Akanji to Gomez to Odogu – how Milan went from A to C quickly

AC Milan wanted an experienced central defender to arrive this summer, but David Odogu was the man to arrive late on. 

Throughout the summer, there has been a focus further up the pitch, though everyone was aware of the potential need for another defender. However, one has not arrived, at least in the form imagined, unfortunately.

Milan forced to change

As Gazzetta dello Sport (see below) states, ‘Milan fans had gone to bed hoping to wake up with an extra (Joe Gomez) in the centre of defence’. However, he did not arrive; instead, the Rossoneri are placing their hopes on a youngster.

A prospect for the future, but is he what Milan need now? Well, it was not really a choice made by the club, but rather a hand forced by the mercato itself.

An agreement had been reached with Liverpool and Gomez, a four-year deal and a €15 million transfer, the flight was booked, and everything seemed done. However, the Reds placed things on hold at 10 am. The Rossoneri waited and waited, and waited until 4 pm, and then it was time to move on. A necessity, even if it was frustrating.

The new Thiaw

The club consider Odogu to be ‘the new Thiaw’, and with a €10m deal, there is little downside to the move. At 19 years old, he has already got experience, albeit minimally, in the Bundesliga, and Chelsea previously considered him for their youth project.

Comfortable on and off the ball, the defender is smart as well as being a good defender. He is one for the future, but he can also be one for now.