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Carlos Bacca is Milan's now, after the club triggered his €30 million release clause. Liverpool and Manchester United were also interested in the 28-year-old striker, but Bacca opted to join the Rossoneri.
Despite Bacca's talent, some people were not impressed with Milan's purchase.
Milan singing Bacca, hope he'll do great at Milan but I feel like 30+ million is quite a lot for a 29 year old that has been good for 2 year
— - (@jmagrande09) June 27, 2015
For €30 million, I wouldn't touch Carlos Bacca. Like many transfers this summer, it's €10 million too much for my liking.
— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) June 27, 2015
On the surface, 30 million euros can seem like a lot for Bacca, especially when considering Milan only paid 24 million for Zlatan Ibrahimovic after his season on loan from Barcelona.
The great thing about people questioning Milan's 30 million purchase is the reality of Milan spending 30 million.
For years, Milanisti have had to put up with nonsensical and frustrating failures in the transfer market. The Rossoneri have tried to replace stars like Andrea Pirlo, Kaka and Paolo Maldini with players far below Milan's quality, players like Bakaye Traore, Taye Taiwo and Kevin Constant. Young players with potential have been tossed away before having a chance to prove themselves.
There have been few expensive purchases since Milan's last Scudetto in 2011. Milan have only made two purchases of more than 10 million in that time: Mario Balotelli for 21.5 million and Alessandro Matri for 12 million. The Rossoneri got most of their investment back on Balotelli last summer when he went to Liverpool, but Matri is still trying to prove himself (don't hold your breath).
Dropping 30 million on Bacca is a great sign for Milan. The club was willing to spend 35 million on Jackson Martinez and probably would have tried to get Geoffrey Kondogbia for the 40 million Inter paid. After a dismal 10th-place finish last year and now two straight seasons without qualifying for European competition, something needs to change, and it looks like Milan is ready to spend the cash to make it happen.
It cannot end with Bacca, however. Everyone knows that. Milan needs to make significant improvements to its squad. Axel Witsel is also believed to be a target. Bringing in Bacca, Bertolacci and Witsel would be a great start to the summer for Milan. A few defensive reinforcements would be ideal.
Some fans may not like the 30 million price tag for Bacca, but Milan has not been so ambitious in years. If this is a sign of things to come for the Rossoneri, it is one fans should be excited about.