This is one of my favorite times of the year- the January transfer window. You get the rumors, deals, agent quotes, as well as the ups and downs of the transfer season, yet, unlike the summer, you can still watch calcio with all the craziness happening! What more can you ask for? But, with the lack of joy that has become from watching the Rossoneri this season, perhaps we need a little distraction from the, at times, unbearable displays we have seen on the pitch. I wanted to share my take on what to expect and what to hope for from this transfer window.
Now I know never to trust rumors or anything Galliani says, but from what journalists are hearing and what Fester is saying, it sounds like Milan are getting their act together. Milan were linked with Radja Nainggolan and looked set to secure his signature. Ultimately, Roma signed the Cagliari man, and Milan will trust in youngster Bryan Cristante. Personally, I am enthralled with excitement to hear this news. Perhaps it was Cristante’s goal against Atalanta, or maybe Nainggolan’s absurd overvaluation that changed Fester’s mind. Whatever it was, it was for the best.
As for the signings end of things, Milan have already brought in Adil Rami and Keisuke Honda, both on free transfers. Honda will likely slot in next to Kaka in the 4-3-2-1 formation behind Balotelli. Rami could start in the center of defense right away depending on how severe Zapata’s shoulder injury is from the Atalanta match. Both are glaring needs that have been filled with quality. Let’s hope that they can put it together on the field, and fast.
The theme of this market, however, will be sales, not purchases. Half of Milan’s squad is deadweight. Some say this is a sign of how far Milan have fallen. To that I say, “I don’t care.” Our table position is more an indication of how far we have fallen. Right now, we have to look at the future, not the past. What can Milan do this month to prepare them for the rest of the season and beyond? Selling deadweight and lessen the wage bill. Many players have deservedly been linked with exits: Matri, Nocerino, Constant, Mexes, Birsa and Robinho. Selling these players would lighten the absurd wage bill currently plaguing Milan. Under talented players who don’t deserve Milan and are overpaid make their sales a nightmare. Take Kevin Constant for example. He’s a journeyman Serie A player who signed for Milan on wages of a million per year. A guy like Constant will never play for another top club nor will he make those wages at a smaller club that he should play for. Thus, it only makes sense for him to refuse moves to less prestigious clubs.
That example is similar the situation of many players at Milan. It’s hard to blame the player in this situation. Rather blame should be placed on Milan for initially signing these players. But that point is a dead horse so I won’t beat it anymore. Moving on!
Galliani was quoted saying that Cristante is Milan’s midfield signing. I would love for this to be true, but to be honest, I would not be surprised if Milan continue looking for midfielders that are CL eligible (Marco Parolo of Parma and Jorginho of Hellas Verona are 2 names at the top of that list). The reason being Milan will be short in the middle of the park as Montolivo and Muntari will miss some of the Round of 16 draw with Atletico Madrid. Advancing to the Quarterfinals means big $$ for Milan, mostly because they are the only Italian team remaining (insert Juventus joke here). This may prove to be invaluable cash flow as Milan will likely miss out on a CL spot next season, barring a 2nd half comeback for the ages.
Overall, Milan’s transfer window seems to be going well so far. Rami and Honda in, while several deadweights are linked with exits. One last point to be aware of is the influence of Allegri’s exit as manager. Don’t expect any more big name signings, as both Galliani and Allegri have confirmed Max’s lame duck status. We may possibly see a significant signing this summer, but only once a new manager is hired.
Overall, I see this window going very well for our boys. As always, Forza Milan.
Let me know what you think! Comment below and tweet/follow me on Twitter @ClancyJohnathan.