Romano: Milan snubbed Real Madrid stalwart on free transfer – the reasons

AC Milan considered signing Lucas Vazquez towards the end of the summer window for the right-back role, it is claimed.

Milan had a clear-out in that particular area with Davide Calabria, Emerson Royal, Kyle Walker, Alessandro Florenzi and Filippo Terracciano all having left in the past few months. In the end the only signing was Zachary Athekame from Young Boys, but other ideas were considered.

Vazquez snubbed

According to Fabrizio Romano, Milan thought about signing an experienced player to strengthen their right side and Lucas Vázquez was discussed. His contract with Real Madrid was expiring, so he could have joined on a free transfer.

Milan were tempted by a player of international calibre, accustomed to playing on the big stage – with over 20 trophies won at Real Madrid – and capable of guaranteeing tactical versatility. Despite initial interest, though, the Rossoneri chose to pursue other options.

The decision was driven primarily by demographic and project-related reasons: the management preferred to focus on younger players who were instrumental in the club’s development plan for the coming years.

Furthermore, the final choice was influenced by the tactical setup: despite being a versatile player who can play both as a full-back in a four-man defence and as a wing-back in a three-man defence, Vázquez was not considered the top priority. In the end, the 34-year-old went to Leverkusen.