Roughly halfway through summer and as predicted very little has happened. Lots of reports and rumors from the experts. A lot of the old hot rumor on Monday and rumor denied by Wednesday nonsense. Let us dip our toes in the water of what has and hasn’t happened!
Fonseca Presser
We do officially have a coach and we got to hear his initial thoughts on things. Of course we got the usual presser stuff about competing and pushing the club further. Blah blah blah. No surprises there. There were a few nuggets I found pretty interesting though.
Concerning general play and especially the defense Fonseca mentioned that we have the right pieces but need to be more aggressive. I completely agree. Going into last year I think we all thought defense would be a strength. The whole backline along with Maignan all came back after a strong 22/23 season. Injuries didn’t help but the backline never looked right. We played scared and gave up far too many easy goals. Basically it sucked. I believe sorting out the defense has to be his first priority. That starts with figuring out who can and can’t help back there. Other than Theo everyone else in the back is up for inspection.
First up? The RB spot. Calabria can’t start anymore. Pioli was never gonna move on from him. I don’t think Fonseca will feel that loyalty. Let’s start Kalulu day 1 and then enter the market if need be. I guess that’s my long way of saying that with a new coach comes fresh eyes and gone is the loyalty to past performances.
Zlatan addressed the Zirksee situation saying it was in the past. I tried telling you not to believe the rumors. He said things are happening with others but all the rumors are false. Imagine that? It’s hard to say whether to believe Zlatan straight away or not but we will find out soon enough. He also totally threw Origi and Ballo-Toure under the bus saying they would train with the youth team. I found that to be hilarious. Will always love Maldini but those two were GIANT mistakes.
Comings, Goings, and Rumors
Summer Arrivals
There’s only been 2 official signings so far. Alex Jimenez was officially signed from Madrid for 5 million. The 19 year old Spaniard is expected to deputize at LB under Theo.
Also, Jan Carlo Simic was officially signed from the primavera to a senior squad deal. He started all year for them last year along with making a few senior appearances. What happens with him will be interesting. Will Fonseca see enough to give him minutes? Does he go out on loan to get a full season starting elsewhere? He’s just turned 19 and still has a ways to go.
Summer Departures
CDK is officially gone. We lost a little money but not a complete disaster. Fortunately we are now in an economic situation where a blunder like that didn’t kill us. To think that summer we signed CDK, Origi and Ballo Toure. YIKES. Krunic is also now officially gone to Fenerbache. Good luck to both going forward. Nice thing is that’s 25 million into the coffers to spend. Lastly, Giroud left on a free to LAFC in the MLS.
Rumor Mill
Some names with a sentence or two on each.
MORATA Love me a big guy up front. Spanish discount Giroud. He has 3 years remaining on a pretty hefty deal at 13.5 million. Not sure how that would work. Loan maybe? Something else creative? I like it but I don’t see it happening
ANY PLAYER THAT PLAYED FOR FONSECA AT LILLE OR ROMA Probably the laziest of lazy transfer rumors. Especially any Roma clowns. Get outta here with that stuff.
ZIRKZEE I mean…. I told you so. I don’t mean to be THAT GUY…. but I did kinda tell ya this shit never made sense and wasn’t happening.
***Edit/Update: Fabrizio Romano is reporting today that Zirkzee is going to ManU
DOVBYK You know how I like big hold up guys? Well this guy is kind of a perfect blend of that AND someone who likes to dribble at people.
SESKO So you know what I said about Dovbyk above? Well I think this guy is a better hold up guy, he’s taller and really looked good at the Euros. This would be my first pick.
BROJA This front has gone cold so maybe it’s nothing more than every out of favor Chelsea player being linked to us for the next 10 years. Probaby a good addition to the Milan Transfer Rumor drinking game.
FOFANA Everything we need in a DM. Kessie 2.0. Do the dirty work and get the ball to Reijnders. Yes, please! Honestly if we just signed him and Sesko and called it a day I would be just fine with that.
RABIOT He’s gonna go to the highest bidder. That’s what he does. Got a feeling some EPL team comes along and gives him dumb money.
BUONGIORNO After officially going to Juve now he’s officially going to Napoli. All I know is he’s not coming to Milan so I don’t care.
ROYAL Speaking of agent talk…no way. Now that Zirksee has been officially shot down this is now the longest running rumor of the summer. Aaaaand it’s probably bullshit.
Wrap Up
With the Euros and Copa Americana wrapping up and the beginning of formal training camp we should see things happening soon. First summer friendly is next weekend. Buckle up folks. Another season is just around the corner.
Cheers.
Lisi