Andre Silva: Does he stay or does he go?

While AC Milan figure out their ownership and finances, as well as if they will be in European competition next season, a rumor that came up in January has resurfaced: the possibility of Portuguese striker Andre Silva moving on from AC Milan to a new club.

Silva, of course, had a less-than-stellar season at the San Siro, scoring just two Serie A goals, with six in the Europa League. He struggled to see much playing time at all, making only seven starts in the league. Somehow he seemed to fall to third choice behind breakout star Patrick Cutrone and Nikola Kalinic. After spending €38 million on the striker, Milan have been reported to be shopping the striker since the winter transfer window to recoup some losses, while also getting some much-needed cash.

The recent reports have Silva linked to Huddersfield Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and AS Monaco. The fee reported for the striker is around €31-35 million, with some sources saying Milan will ask for 35, and some saying that there are offers around 32.

Huddersfield is coming off a 16th place finish in the Premier League, which means they have some money to spend to reinforce the squad for David Wagner after securing another season in the top flight. That being said, the fee could reportedly be a stumbling block for the team, as Milan could ask for too much.

Wolverhampton, on the other hand, just gained promotion back to the Premier League, and has been linked to several Jorge Mendes clients, as he is an adviser to the club and its owners. One of these, of course, is Silva, who could link up with Reuben Neves as Wolves aim for the same as all the promoted clubs: stay in the EPL. Wolves reportedly also wanted Silva in January but were denied.

Monaco is another interesting option, as Mendes has experience with clients there as well with James Rodriguez. There has also been talk of a possible swap with Monaco for Silva and Falcao, who Massimo Mirabelli is interested in for Milan. However, these reports have been refuted that Silva and Falcao will be in the same deal. This being said, Mirabelli did meet with Michael Emenalo of Monaco in Turin, so this could have some legs. In this case, Monaco definitely has the money and is a go-to place for young talent. They are also in the Champions League.

It’s important to note that Gennaro Gattuso said, less than a week ago, that Silva would stay at the club. He said he hopes he improves and will hang onto him tightly with the club. I tend to believe Gattuso, but given that anything can happen in the transfer market, the consistent reports about a potential departure, and the reports linking Milan to big-name strikers, we may end up seeing Silva move. However, I’m confident that if a club does not meet the price tag from Milan, they won’t get him.

If a move is going to happen, I’d go ahead and rule out Huddersfield. Wolves has the Mendes factor, which could make a huge difference, but Monaco would be the most likely landing spot. We should see what happens with Falcao first, though, because he is their starting striker. We should also see what happens with Milan’s striker situation- if they add another, and Kalinic is still there, Silva is a solid bet to leave. We also have to watch the results of the UEFA decision- if we are out of Europe, and get a fine, we may HAVE to sell the striker, since he will still get a solid fee.

I’ll go out on a limb and say that, although I don’t WANT Silva to leave, I think he is more likely to leave than stay, maybe in a 60% leave - 40% stay situation.

What do you think? Leave a comment below!