GdS: Reflection and Logic – why Harder’s move to Milan makes sense

There are certainly some doubters in the face of Conrad Harder, but a move to AC Milan would bring that for everyone. 

There are few signings in football, at any club, that would completely unite a fanbase. A move for Luka Modric, probably the biggest of the Milan mercato, is largely positive, but some have been doubtful of his abilities and age.

With a striker, the views are even more polarising. After all, for many, it is the most important thing on the pitch. However, with Harder, these views are even more magnified, for reasons out of his hands.

Time

As Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) write, Sporting bought the Dane last summer, who was hoped to be Viktor Gyokeres’ replacement – someone that the Rossoneri had hoped for in the past 12 months – though, he now will play for Milan.

It was not an easy decision, though. Instead, Harder took time to deliberate on the decision, with Rennes offering him a pathway to potential stardom, boosted by their recent history. Milan have burned through strikers in recent years; it is a career risk.

However, the Diavolo are one of the most successful teams in the world, and it could have been now or never. So, he accepted the deal to arrive for €1.5 million per season last night.

Logic

There will be a lot of pressure at San Siro. The weight of the colours demands as much, but after a season of names, he arrives as an unknown from a different realm. This, plus the loss to Cremonese.

Dusan Vlahovic, Allegri’s ideal, has looked unlikely due to cost (more than €7m per season), whilst Rasmus Hojlund and Nicolas Jackson would both cost more than €15m per season. Harder is an unknown, but he arrives with a nicer financial contribution.

Then, there are also the current players to continue. At most, three will play at one time for Massimiliano Allegri, Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez may be the choice, or maybe just two.

So, the Dane may not start, but he could learn, both the team and San Siro, and then step into the limelight when he is ready. Patience is required, like with everything, but he may not be afforded that due to variables out of his hands.