‘No one is safe’: this is the headline on one of Gazzetta dello Sport’s pages this morning. AC Milan’s star players Theo Hernandez, Rafael Leao and Mike Maignan are being monitored by several big clubs, with offers to be evaluated.
Milan have made it clear that they will listen to offers for the trio as the money can be used to strengthen the team. Of course, a potential sale of any of these stars would have to be on their term, meaning the economic demands are not exactly low.
Today’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo below) highlighted the situation and revealed the interested clubs for each player.
Leao, €175m clause and foreign interest
Leao renewed his contract with Milan a year ago until 2028 and a €175m release clause was included in the deal. This is the reference point for any of the interest clubs, with the Rossoneri making it clear that very hefty offers are needed (€100m+).
For next season, the winger could become a key player for Milan (under a new manager) or be sacrificed on the mercato to fund several signings. Paris Saint-Germain are interested as Kylian Mbappe is set to depart, while Chelsea and Man Utd are keeping tabs on the situation as well.
Then again, also in light of his inconsistent performances this season, the aforementioned clubs might not be willing to satisfy Milan’s economic demands. Regardless of the outcome, Leao will be an important player for the Rossoneri.
Bayern Munich monitoring Theo
Theo Hernandez’s contract will expire in 2026 and although a contract renewal is the wish of all parties, the interest of Bayern Munich cannot be ignored. Alphonso Davies could leave the club and as always, the German side want the strongest player for the position they are reinforcing.
The Frenchman is very happy at Milan, having built a life with his family in Milano, and the feeling is that a renewal agreement will be reached. However, the Rossoneri don’t want to risk losing him for free and offers could be considered this summer.
Reports in Germany suggest that €60-70m could be put on the plate by Bayern Munich, but Milan are expecting offers closer to €100m to even open a discussion. The Euros could change a lot, but for now a departure appears unlikely for the left-back.
Maignan’s ambition and Bayern’s interest
Finally, Milan are also wary of Mike Maignan’s situation. His contract will also expire in 2026 and compared to Hernandez, the road to a renewal appears to be more complicated. Furthermore, the goalkeeper is the most ambitious player of the trio and his willingness to win could push him to a move.
He currently earns €3.2m per year and would like to at least double that figure, which is a lot for Milan. Bayern Munich need a goalkeeper and Maignan is on their wish list, even if a rather hefty offer would be needed for the former Lille man as well.
In conclusion, no one is safe at Milan even though the economic demands are high, which will protect the Rossoneri to some extent.
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