Journalist says Milan had ‘wrong’ attitude with Maignan, free transfer ‘unbearable’ | OneFootball

Milan expert Carlo Pellegatti says the club’s management towards Mike Maignan was ‘totally wrong’ as the goalkeeper’s future at San Siro remains highly uncertain.

Maignan’s contract at San Siro expires in June 2026, and his exit over the summer remains a likely scenario.

Milan management blamed for Maignan’s contract negotiations

BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Mike Maignan of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“The management’s attitude towards Maignan was totally wrong,” Pellegatti told Milan News via TMW.

“When he was struggling, rather than supporting him, they wanted to take one million off his salary. The previous agreement was €5m until 2028-29. We have one of the best goalkeepers in the world, according to Allegri, one of the top three in the world. Seeing him leave on a free transfer, even not extending his contract, is unbearable.”

Milan hired a new sporting director, Igli Tare, last summer, and it remains to be seen whether the ex-striker will persuade Maignan to sign a new deal.

Milan rejected Chelsea’s offer for Maignan last summer

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Mike Maignan of AC Milan celebrates with teammate Rafael Leao after saving a penalty kick from Paulo Dybala of AS Roma (not pictured) during the Serie A match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Surely, Tare and Milan coach Allegri have full trust in Maignan as Milan rejected an offer from Chelsea last summer, despite knowing that extending the goalkeeper’s contract would prove to be challenging.

Maignan, 30, is the Milan captain and has kept seven clean sheets in 13 appearances across all competitions this term, conceding just nine goals.

The France international also saved penalty kicks in crucial games against Roma and Inter, which Milan eventually won 1-0.