Mazzara suggests Leao and Maignan are two sides of a ‘contractual coin’ after Milan-Roma

AC Milan are in two different situations with their two biggest stars. They have already learned a lesson, but how did it get there?

When people say you learn from mistakes, it seems Milan are doing this actively. It is a frustrating one, but it is not an unsolvable one, either. Put simply, the Rossoneri have potentially lost Mike Maignan, but in the process saved Rafael Leao.

Leao lesson after Maignan

We must go back to the European Championship in 2024, where the Diavolo were teasing the idea of renewing Maignan’s contract. However, nothing got done. Fast forward 18 months, and the Frenchman will almost definitely leave Milan at the end of his contract.

Keen to avoid that mistake again, reports are suggesting that talks have already opened with Leao over a new deal, even though he has a 2028 expiry date, currently. It is not a done deal, but it seems that the club are learning, and perhaps a renewal with the Portuguese could even tempt Maignan to stay.

For Pietro Mazzara, though, it is two sides of the same situation, as he writes for MilanNews.

“Mike Maignan and Rafael Leao are two sides of the same coin for AC Milan after their victory over Roma. Speaking to Dazn, they are the absolute leaders of this team, and they know full well that there’s still a long way to go, but that with the entire squad available, they can focus on big things.

“Last night, they contributed, along with Pavlovic, to the three points that lifted AC Milan into second place in the table, tied with Inter. The French goalkeeper made a superb save from Dybala’s penalty, while Rafa rewarded Pavlovic’s run, running 90 meters to score the winner.

“Raffaellino also missed a couple of goals, but he wasn’t at his best; he also took a painful knock to his hip and finished the match stoically in defence. Negotiations for him could open up in the coming weeks, with the club keen to keep him for a longer period of time, while for Maignan, the situation remains at a standstill.

“Relations with his entourage need to be mended after the rift in recent months, when the renewal had essentially been agreed upon for a three-year contract worth €5.5 million plus bonuses, but Milan paused to evaluate the situation.

“As mentioned, negotiations with Chelsea broke down in the summer, but the management will likely try to reopen a chapter where they will have to make amends for the past few months.”