MN: ‘Destruction’ then gambles – why Milan have taken a risk in the full-back area

There are many unknowns surrounding AC Milan’s squad after such a busy window, but the full-back department is certainly among the main ones.

As MilanNews recall, the transfer market was characterised by an initial ‘destruction’ phase, which realistically began when Davide Calabria was sent to Bologna in January. In the summer, Kyle Walker was not bought and Emerson Royal was sold.

The most significant sales, however, were Theo Hernandez – who had reached a point of no return with the club and had not been offered a contract renewal – and Alex Jimenez who went to Bournemouth after Massimiliano Allegri deemed the Spaniard not part of his plans.

Young gables

Given these departures, a certain type of signing was expected on both the right and left flanks. However, everything evidently changed when the decision was made to stick with the three-man defence.

Image: AC Milan

The ‘full-backs’ who arrived were Pervis Estupinan and Zachary Athekame. The former is 27 years of age and has good experience in the Premier League and for Ecuador, but a questionable injury record. The latter is 20 years old and still very raw, certainly not suited to a starting role at present.

For this reason, given the change in formation, the starter on the right flank remains Alexis Saelemaekers, with the Swiss player behind him. On the opposite flank, Estupinan will be backed up by Davide Bartesaghi as the only alternative.

It remains to be seen whether these four players will be enough in a tactical set-up that demands a lot from the wide man, and we will see if Allegri will be able to adapt.