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Milan and Roma have finally agreed on 25 million euro deal for 20-year-old center back Alessio Romagnoli.
The transfer fee will be paid over five years and includes a clause that entitles Roma to 30 percent of a future sale of the player worth more than 25 million euros. It's been a long negotiation between Adriano Galliani and Walter Sabatini, maybe even longer than necessary, since Giallorossi were aware of his great potential as one of the best Italian defenders in the near future.
"Hic et nunc" - Here and Now
Romagnoli does not want to wait to join Milan. He was called into the Italian under-21 national team for a friendly match Wednesday against Hungary, but he will instead undergo medicals for Milan before signing his new contract. Sky Sport's Peppe Di Stefano reported Romagnoli will bravely wear one of the heaviest numbers for a Milan defender: Alessandro Nesta's 13.
"Veritas filia temporis" - Truth is the daughter of time
Romagnoli is only 20 years old, but Galliani was not afraid of spending more than 25 million euros because Romagnoli is one of the greatest prospects in Italian football, one of those young guys you only see once in 15 or 20 years. He has already collected 43 Serie A appearances—better than Nesta's 41 at his age—and was arguably the best young defender of the league together with Daniele Rugani last season. Talking about his skills, Romagnoli is a left-footed player with great timing in both phases, good aerial game and great awareness for a 20 year old. Also, he can definitely play the ball, something rare for defenders.
Only time will tell if Romagnoli could become one of the great center backs in the Serie A.
"Est modus in rebus" - There is a proper measure in things
Is 25 million too much for Romagnoli? Considering what he has done to this point in his career, yes. Considering his potential, however, he could be worth the money, and maybe more. Romagnoli is often compared to Nesta, and that makes sense because they have similar style and they're the two most expensive defenders in Milan's history (Nesta cost 31 million euros from Lazio in 2002). Romagnoli's future is bright, but this huge transfer fee could be psychologically dangerous for the young guy.