Summer mercato 2009

Funny to see us being linked to so many Brazilians now!

Santos (Also Evra who will not be a relsitic option)

Luiz Felipe(Corinthians GK)

and now Hernanes for 10 million euro (why is he coming so cheap? Is there a massive form slump?)

Also Adriano (formerly of Inter)

D'Agostino is also being linked with Milan....

By the way, Maxwell went to Barca, making Santos an obvious target of Inter......

Luis Felipe swap for Dida would be fantastic for Milan.....

I see Santos as possibly overrated, and believe the LB/RB positions are fine at the moment. It is all about CB....

Hernanes for 10 million?! WTF! Is he experiencing some massive form slump, or are Sao Paulo in financial trouble. I believe the source may be telling fibs.....

Evra is simply a non-relistic target, so for me Luis Felipe is the only good one....

D'Agostino is unrealsitic as well, and he is not what we need right now for the squad!

Adriano? If he comes back, the "Emperor" will be better, and it would IMO be better if he was playing for us...

I know what MGT. is saying, but I await the arrival of a CB....

Originally Posted by Samaldinho

Juve wants to keep Molinaro and De Cegile (more a of LM than a LB) and with Cannavaro who needs to realize that he is just not the same player, to hold the hand of Chiellini, who has not had the best of seasons (last year) and with their starting RB being Grygera.

This is the defense you fear? Buffon has been average this last year, and somehow Ferrarra has to put together Diego, Melo, Sissoko, Giovinco, (which can be done) but still have to balance Camo, while he says he wants Nedved back, and you're telling me that Juve is LIGHT YEARS ahead of us? Of their strikers, only Del Piero and Amauri are worth anything. Iaquinta is a great super-sub but nothing else and Trez is missing something, maybe it's confidence?

The only place where I think Juve beat us are in the midfield. However, from what I hear from the Milan players about Leonardo's change in the squad, and how everyone is equal, makes me think we'll be able to squeeze a lot more out of our players.

To Inter, Inter are so dependent on Ibra and Maicon it defies logic. I have been talking about how they need someone in the middle of the park to do something, and that is the one thing that Mourinho is being denied.

Mourinho is going to be forced to deal with Mancini, Quaresma, Suazo (glad we didn't get him), and a broken down Kerlon (for youth purposes). So really now, are you that worried still?

Inter are workman-like, they just get stuck in a get results against the small teams. That's their secret and that's the only thing that has held back Milan under Carlo. I am a big Carlo fan and the one thing I can say against him is that he continuouslly underestimated and fostered the lack of urgency and desire to drive forward against those small teams.

I used to hate the idea that we are "good as we are" because we aren't. However, I think Milan is not in dire need of a lot of signings. I think we need a LB and a striker. However, Boriello thinks otherwise.

I remember saying earlier that all I wanted was Leonardo to come out and tell me the sort of things that I want to hear, hear about the new system, his ideas, and finally it is happening, and I can't lie, I am glad to be proven wrong about him. He seems to be taking charge, he's strict and he's treating everyone on the same level.

Did Milan under-preform the last two years? Yes. Could that be part of the complacency under Carlo? I am beginning to think that it might be. I also think that Carlo leaving, on the other hand, was a big part of Kaka leaving, but that is another point.

When we talk about Gorky being some sort of savior, and blaming the management, this is where I think we have to blame Gorky for being a coward. Galli flew down to France and obviously knew Carlo was leaving, knew that there would be an opening for him, for him to rise to the top and take a starting spot. He didn't take it because he is a COWARD. So I don't want him either, and like many have said here before, no one CARED that his loan agreement had a 15 million attached buy-out clause, because he SUCKED in our red-and-black.

If Antonini can play like he did, and Zambro gets pushed to the left, I'm not so sure how serious a LB is for Milan at this point. I do think, however, that big signings will have to be made next summer, not this summer.

I think Leonardo will be assessing what he needs during the next few pre-season games. That is why Milan is waiting, because frankly, what is the point of buying players when Leonardo hasn't seen the players everyday in the form of a trainer, and what would be the point of giving him new weapons that he thinks he might not need? Ever think of that?

Anyways. The same things are being said over and over and over and over again and it gets boring. Milan is not going down the respect in other people's eyes. I don't see why you think that, I guess because you're talking to your Inter friend that you believe that, then, well Milan will always be on the downside, even when we win CLs and they steal scudettos.

Did you ever think that maybe Leonardo has more faith in Boriello than Dzeko or Fabiano? Maybe he sees Antonini as a better candidate than Cissoko? Maybe he thinks Pirlo deserves a greater chance than Hernanes? Maybe Pirlo has to go for Hernanes, but that's all, in his opinion? Maybe? Just a thought.

We have great players young stars here at Milan: Pato, Flamini, Thiago Silva, Albertazzi, Paloschi (at Parma) and I don't see why Abate and Di Gennaro can't do the same. Remember, just because you were a Italy U21 star doesn't mean you're going to be a star later on. Pippo was an average U21, Quagliarella never played for them, neither did Luca Toni, or Antonio Di Natale. I also don't remember a certain Fabio Grosso ever been an Azzurini either.

So look, calm down. Yes, you have the right to voice your frustrations and anger, but at the same time, I have the right to voice my call for calmness.

Barca, after two years of unimpressive play, sold their best player (which was Ronaldinho at the time) and relied on their young, yet sometimes inconsistent Messi. We sold our best player, Kaka, who has had two not-so-Kaka seasons, and will rely on our young, sometimes inconsistent Pato. Henry was a flop his first year and became a hit in his second year, I hope that Ronaldinho does the same thing.

Sure, we're not the same as Barca, but look at how much better their players played just because they got a new coach. Sure, Barca will be able to rely on those players longer than we will be able to rely on ours, but I think the point of the matter is that we have to have the belief in our players, because no matter how much you wish Kaladze and Seedorf to go, they're going to be here. I personally HATE Kaladze, but I'm going to support them, because they are wearing our red-and-black and we have to be the one's supporting them, because no one else will.

If they are willing to stand up and be counted, as fans, so should we.

Great post Sami...

Our wide def are average. Janku can't start again. All our positions need strengthening unfort dur to bad management.

AC Milan Target Hernanes Is Available For €10m - Report
The all-action midfielder could be acquired for much cheaper than previously thought...
15 Jul 2009 18:25:32
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Hernanes - São Paulo
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Hernanes' reported valuation has fluctuated over the course of the last year as Sao Paulo attempt to hold onto their man, but the news from Brazil is that an offer of only €10 million will be sufficient for the 24-year-old.

An anonymous source close to Hernanes has told the Brazilian daily O Estado de Sao Paulo that "If Milan were to offer €10m for Hernanes today, Sao Paulo would rush to sell him."

Milan have been following Hernanes for some time, and their general director, Ariedo Braida, is currently in Brazil to start negotiations. While they have been put off Hernanes by his price-tag in the past, they could swoop if the source's information turns out to be accurate.

Sao Paulo have endured an awful 2009 thus far, despite winning their third consecutive Brazilian title. Since then, they lost to Corinthians in the Sao Paulo state championship semi-finals, to Cruzeiro in the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores, and have fired manager Muricy Ramalho.

The Tricolor Paulista are languishing in 14th place in the national championships, some 10 points behind leaders Atletico Mineiro, and it would be another huge blow should Hernanes leave this summer.

Milan, however, would view his signature as a massive boost ahead of the new Serie A season. After losing Kaka to Real Madrid and potentially Andrea Pirlo to Chelsea, Hernanes could perform admirably in either an attacking or defensive midfield position.

Anthony Wright, Goal.com

Ex-Inter Striker Adriano Could Join AC Milan - Agent
After revealing he is planning a return to Italy, Adriano's agent today said the player may even opt to join Milan, arch-rivals of his previous club Inter...
15 Jul 2009 20:33:30
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Adriano - Flamengo x São Paulo
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Yesterday Adriano's agent Gilmar Rinaldi revealed there is a plausible chance that the former Inter striker will return to Italy after his stint in Brazil with Flamengo. Today Rinaldi got more specific about what club the Brazilian could be joining.

"He is doing well, but he could return to Italy," he reiterated to Telelombardia. "There are also some options in Spain and I think he's considering it. When he was at Inter, there was talk he could join Milan, he could go there in the future."

In the past it was said that Adriano would feel much more at home at Milan than at Inter, as the Rossoneri have many Brazilians in their team, while the Nerazzurri have always had a strong Argentinean contingent over the last few years.

The most recent high-profile case of an Inter player directly joining Milan was striker Christian Vieri, who left the Nerazzurri for their cross-town rivals in 2005, but he was unable to reproduce his form with Inter for the Rossoneri.

Danilo Pochini, Goal.com

Udinese Star Gaetano D’Agostino Attracted By Milan Option – Report
The talented midfielder has discussed the latest rumours linking him to the Rossoneri.
16 Jul 2009 01:11:11
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Udinese ace Gaetano D'Agostino in action for his side
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Gaetano D’Agostino has been tipped to leave Udinese since the start of the summer, but it is becoming increasingly likely that he will stay put this season.

After his proposed move to Juventus fell through, the 27-year-old was set for a switch to the heavyweights of Spain's Primera Division, Real Madrid. However, following some interrupted negotiations, the Merengues pulled out of the race.

The latest reports have suggested that Milan are now interested in acquiring the player's services, especially considering the ongoing speculation surrounding the future of Andrea Pirlo.

D’Agostino is pleased to have been recognised by such a prominent club as the Rossoneri; however, he declared in a recent interview that he was unsure as to what would eventuate.

“I honestly do not know anything regarding Milan and their interest in me,” D’Agostino affirmed to the Milan Channel.

“Sure, it is nice to be approached by one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, but for now I will be staying at Udinese.

“I am very pleased to be considered by the Milan fans as someone who they would like to have at the club. That means that I must have done something good.

“But again, unfortunately, I do not know anything about this.”

Adrian Del Monte, Goal.com

Look at what a Milan fan said about the potential transfer of Dida to "Corinthians" for their young GK....

Rama Jakarta
05:44 16 Jul 2009
I'd swap him for a bag of peanuts... or 1/4 crate of bananas... or Adriano (if this last one happens, I would kiss Galliani's stinky feet).

Originally Posted by Rick

You don't think that if Milan were to sign Fabiano and a good fullback they could challenge Inter for the Scudetto?

Yes, Milan could, even now they could. But the chance is not as big as when Milan keep Kaka, buy a very good CB, a good fullback, a CF and a creative midfielder. Those are many players but that what Milan must pay for what they have been doing since Calciopoli : very bad transfers (overall).

Originally Posted by Rick

Again, third only by Serie A's unusual tiebreaker. Milan was level on points with Juve despite an injury-ravaged season. Now players are healthy again.

Yeah, alibies can be found anywhere and anytime.

Originally Posted by Rick

That's true, but on the other hand -- and more recently -- Juventus finished eight points and two spots ahead of Milan in 2007/08. This past year they finished tied in points. That would seem to indicate that Milan gained quite a bit of ground.

LOL. So you still don't get it? Milan did very bad transfer campaig since Calciopoli especially after they won CL 2007. The difference between Juve and Milan in that time : Juve tried to keep their best player and improve the team. In the other hand Milan always think they are full of champions (read : arrogant). They just make the team weaker by having many problems.

Originally Posted by Rick

Any player that comes by the end of July will have four weeks to prepare for the season. A player who comes on the transfer deadline will be up to speed in a matter of weeks and will still be able to contribute for almost the entire season. It happens all the time.

What the point of this? Please read again my post.

Originally Posted by Rick

As an example, Robinho was a last-minute transfer from Real Madrid to Manchester City last year. He scored goals in his first two matches for City and four in his first six.

No one said a new player can't play well if they came late.

Originally Posted by Rick

It's football, not rocket science.

I never think about rocket science, you are the one who can think so far away from football.

So, for me end of discussion since the topic of the discussion is spreading pretty far.

Honestly, Milan could have won the Scudetto last season had it not been for a patch-work defense. A lame defense means an inconsistent squad as a whole, and that is exactly what happened last season....

As Rick said before, yes, we could seriously challenge for the title if our defense was properly sealed up (That should have been done months ago dammit!)..... To win the Champions League however, we would require some serious attacking talent like Kaka (or Gourcuff....)

I am not meaning someone like Boriello, but a player who, from his own skill, can control the pace and way the game is played. Pirlo and Dihno can provide that (atleast they used to...), but they need to work fu#*@ng hard if that is to happen!

P.S what is wrong with Hernanes? Selling him for 10 million means that there must be some kind of problem? Maybe another Cissoko case?

Eric, I believe the Hernanes case is to do with Sao Paulo letting go of Hernanes for 10m is to do with them being realistic about price (many saying that Ramires going for 7.5m is an indicator of the Brazilian market right now) and his drop in form over the past year. It could also well be that he wants to leave for Europe.

Anyway, I think the argument here is valid from both sides. Those who say the squad is incomplete and the management really have to get into gear are correct, our squad is relatively weak compared to where we need to be (to be fit to at least compete in Scudetto and CL).

It's not so much just a case of the first team missing players (which it is), but the squad in general needs strengthening to have depth, so should players be missing we have good backups or we can rotate.

That said, Rick makes a good point, the market will continue until the end of August and we should wait to see what management do in that time. It is ideal to get reinforcements early so they can gel into the squad, but should Galliani's prediction be correct and market prices drop next month, then I can't blame him for playing the waiting game. In the end, it just means new players will have to work that little extra to gel or we'd have to wait roughly an extra month for them to gel.

However, looking at the market I know what my immediate targets would be. Hernanes for 10m is an immediate purchase AND I'd look to keep Pirlo. Fact is Gattuso's been out over half a season now and on his return has looked out of sorts. In the past 2 years he's been off form for one, was amazing for about a 1/3 and then injured the rest of the time, which isn't a good indicator for the new season. With Hernanes we can use Flamini in Rino's if need be and Hernanes alongside him. In addition, should we fail to secure a fullback (a role we need for a starting position imo), then we may be forced to use Flamini in the wide areas again, thus having Rino and Hernanes in midfield.

Some can argue I'm not factoring Ambrosini into the picture, but I consider his inconsistency pushing forward and inability to cover ground like Rino or Flamini reasons to not consider him a regular starter in one of the midfield roles.

After/Along with Hernanes I'd target Santacroce as an immediate target. I know I've gone on about him for half a year to a year now, but let's be realistic, the guy is currently valued at around 6m according to reports and his starting role at Napoli is in jeopardy due to the arrival of Campagnaro and Zuniga. He looks prepared to move (as his agent confirmed), so not going for him is just stupid.

Quite frankly, the thought that we could secure two important forward thinking acquisitions for less than 20m is enticing and surely a must for the club if possible.

Then we'd need a striker and a starting fullback imo. I simply don't trust Borriello as a regular yet, and even if he comes good, we need more than Pippo on the bench. As for fullbacks, I'd like to believe Albertazzi is our next Maldini or our equivalent of Santon, but realistically it's unlikely and I simply don't believe Janku or Antonini are good enough to regularly play. Unless the management know something we don't about what we have (read: Albertazzi), we need a new fullback. I've mentioned Flamini can play the role too, but I'd rather not go into contigency plans before the season has started.

IF Barcelona offered 15Mil last season and Sao Paolo said no. And now Sao Paolo is selling him for 10Mil, if I am Pep, I will send in an offer right away.

Rick and Samueldinho, to be honest, you two are just really really optimistic about next season. Hope you are right though, but I would not expect much from the team at this point.

And I think someone said it right, there are three clubs that stated Milan offered were cheap. Thats just does not happen at all. SO it is either Milan are really being cheap or the other clubs are asking for too much.

As for the transfer market being slow. Thats true to some extend, but Real, Juve and even Inter are already done with what they need, now they are getting players who will just be icing on the cake. ManU is bascailly waiting for Robben or Snejider or Hunter from Real. ManCity is busy but then again, they will always be busy until they win something. Arsenal got their man in Jan and I think they will submit an offer for Hunter once Ade is officailly gone. Pool has no money or else they would not sell Keane back in Jan. Genoa, Palermo and Napoli all upgraded their team already. Roma and Viola are the only big teams in Italy that had not done anything. Then there is MIlan who recalled two players back and signed Gooch.

Some might think this is a slow transfer market, but to me I just think there are less sellers than buyers. As team would rather keep their players and make a run at CL than cashing in on them now. After all, next year is WC year and players tend to play better than their level and on top of that, if those players perform well in WC, their prices will be at least 40% higher.

One last thing, to anyone who uses Real as an example of being cheap b/c they did not bid like 30MIl for Xabi, well, they just spent 200mil on four players, I would not call that being cheap.

hey look at like this people L.FABIANO (28) is good okay but at 18 MILL!?...
then if only ADRIANO (27) can only keep his head straight it would be a
amazing pick up, no injuries he's lost weight supposedly? why not?...
if he's cheap and i also would like to know would it be a free transfer from
flamengo oh and about the back 4 i hope god listens to us and
jaku doesn't start anymore

I honostly don't think that we need any more question marks, and let's face it, Adriano has been a mess for far longer than Ronaldinho. Still just the idea of getting him for free, and having him return to his best would be absolutly hilarious. Imagine Merdatti if he fulfilled his talent at Milan instead of Inter.

Just read this blog about Juve, but certainly this definitely applies to us.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...logs/gs46.html

And as for Adriano, quite frankly it's too big a risk now.