Mike Maignan's future at AC Milan in doubt as Al-Nassr 'to prepare a move' | OneFootball

Mike Maignan’s long-term future at AC Milan is in doubt, with the captain increasingly frustrated by the club’s direction and Al-Nassr said to be preparing a move.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Riyadh club, home to Cristiano Ronaldo, are seeking a new number one to replace Bento and are closely tracking the situation as the Frenchman considers his options.

Relations between Maignan and the hierarchy have reached a delicate point after a turbulent end to last season. His discontent is linked to the sweeping staff changes in May, which removed head coach Max Allegri, sporting director Igli Tare and veteran goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi, with whom he had built a strong working bond.

It marks a shift from last summer, when he stayed despite a substantial proposal from Chelsea. The presence of Allegri and the then management structure was a key factor in that decision.

Speculation has been heightened by a delayed return to pre-season. Maignan and teammate Adrien Rabiot have pushed back reporting to Milanello from 12 August to 16 August, which the club has framed as extended rest after World Cup duties, though the optics are awkward.

Milan must balance keeping a world-class asset with the risks of carrying an unhappy captain, and the board faces pressure to lay out a convincing plan as the season approaches.

On paper the club hold the cards after a new deal earlier this year tied Maignan to June 2031 on a package worth about €seven million per year including bonuses, close to Rafael Leao’s. His leadership and shot-stopping since replacing Gianluigi Donnarumma in 2021 have endeared him to supporters, making a possible departure hard to contemplate.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”