GdS: ‘Milan try again’ – mission begins to convince Maignan as details of new offer emerge

Mike Maignan’s derby heroics are still very much in the headlines, and AC Milan are reportedly ready to make him a new renewal offer.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport report, the penalty save on Hakan Calhanoglu under the Curva Nord was the snapshot of the derby win, but Maignan also made fantastic stops to deny Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez too. He was a worthy MVP, and the worthy recipient of a kiss from Strahinja Pavlovic.

A whole new Mike

Maignan seems to have got back to his best: he is more reactive, more flexible and above all happier. It’s the complete opposite of last season when at times he appeared awkward and melancholic, making errors in big games.

Despite a sub-par season, Massimiliano Allegri fended off attempts to sell him this summer: he convinced the club and Mike to move forward together. Max deserves credit for keeping him, and Allegri himself pays tribute to goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi for his work too.

The fact remains that Maignan has changed: he’s one of the symbols of the club’s newfound solidity. What remains the same, however, is the terms of his contract, which expires in the summer of 2026.

The club have attempted to reopen the door to dialogue. If Maignan wants to stay with the Rossoneri, the penultimate proposal will still be valid. On the table is a contract extension for another two or three seasons at €5m net per year (up from €4m).

Photo by AC Milan

This represents a significant salary increase from the current €3.2m, despite his advancing age. It is unusual generosity (at least in relation to Milan’s usual stance) for a player who has already turned 30.

This Maignan, however, deserves it. This Maignan who – for the same reasons mentioned above – has attracted the attention of foreign clubs, above all the Premier League. However, Juventus are also lurking.

Milan reached a verbal agreement to extend Maignan’s deal at the start of the year, before they pulled it back as his form declined and it became obvious there would be no European football in 2025-26. That was followed by a period of intense coldness, with the club and the goalkeeper looking elsewhere.

Rekindling the bond remains very difficult, but an attempt will be made nonetheless. The captain’s armband on his arm is a sign of a thaw. Mike has a unique personality, and one goal more fixed than others: he wants to win. Could he change his mind? It is ‘difficult, but not entirely impossible’.