A new idea has emerged for AC Milan in the January mercato as Nemanja Matic wants to leave Stade Rennais before the window closes, a report claims.
With Rade Krunic’s departure to Fenerbahce all but confirmed, the question now becomes whether Milan will sign another midfielder to replace him, given Ismael Bennacer is at AFCON and Tommaso Pobega will be out for a few months.
A solution could come Rossoneri’s opponent in the Europa League play-off round, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Matic moved to Rennes from Roma last summer (a turbulent farewell) and is now at loggerheads with the Ligue 1 club as well.
The latest development is from the French club, who came out with a very blunt statement: “Matic did not show up for the team’s last training sessions. This behaviour is completely incomprehensible from an experienced player under contract until 2025.
“The club would like to remind you that all the modalities necessary for the correct integration of Matic and his entourage are were carried out in perfect transparency.
“Rennes has always done everything possible to put its players, especially foreign ones, in the best possible conditions so that they can express their talent on the pitch.
“The club is now waiting for the player’s explanations and is determined to take all necessary measures to safeguard their interests.”
Matic responded in the following hours by giving his explanation on social media: “I want to put an end to all speculation and say that last summer I was honoured by Rennes’ invitation to be part of this ambitious project.
“I can only confirm how exceptional this club is for all players, especially the young ones. Unfortunately, due to my mistakes, I was unable to adapt my private life to my professional one.
“I was unable to enroll my children in the international school (they have been part of it since the beginning of their school career).
“That’s why I was away for 3 days, to solve this big problem for me and my family. Tomorrow I will return to Rennes and decide the next steps together with the club.”
It is a conciliatory message with an admission of responsibility, and a reconciliation is certainly not to be ruled out, but this does not take away from the fact that the percentage of staying at Rennes is not very high at the moment.
Milan are at the window and observing with some attention, especially now that Krunic has left, because the former Manchester United man occupies the same positions, has experience and in terms of cost would be roughly equivalent to what Milan will get for the Bosnian.
At the moment nothing more than an idea, but the name has been circulating around the offices of Casa Milan, though Lyon could provide competition.
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