Sweet words and more money for Maignan’s new contract at Milan

AC Milan fans had already given up hope. To some extent, so had the club’s hierarchy, because Mike Maignan had made it clear as early as last summer that he would like to change his surroundings.

The French goalkeeper entered the final year of his contract with the Rossoneri, and he was not particularly happy with the overall atmosphere at the club—especially because he was unable to find common ground with the management over a new deal.

And just when everyone had come to terms with the idea that Maignan would become a free agent on January 1 and be able to negotiate with anyone he wanted, Italian media delivered a surprise: the goalkeeper has agreed a new contract with Milan. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that everything has been settled, and that it is only a matter of time before the French shot-stopper puts pen to paper and commits his future to the red-and-blacks.

Under the new deal, Maignan will become the team’s highest-paid player alongside Rafael Leao, earning 7 million euros per year. That was his asking price, and in the end he managed to secure it.

So what changed in the meantime to convince the Frenchman to stay? The first factor is the coach. Maignan “clicked” with Max Allegri, earned his full trust, and is extremely satisfied with working under the trophy-laden manager. In addition, over the past few months his teammates have publicly showered him with praise, which also helped soften his stance.

Finally, when Milan’s board made a last-ditch effort before January 1—the date when Maignan was set to become a free agent—signals emerged that the goalkeeper might still be willing to stay.

At one point last summer, Mike Maignan was close to joining Chelsea. He had already agreed personal terms with the Blues, but the clubs failed to reach an agreement on the transfer, a situation that angered the Frenchman six months ago. However, it seems he has since realized that San Siro is where he feels happiest.

SERIE A - MATCHDAY 19

Tuesday

Pisa - Como 0-3 (0-0)

/Perrone 68, Douvikas 76, 90+6 pen/

Lecce - Roma 0-2 (0-1)

/Ferguson 14, Dovbyk 71/

Sassuolo - Juventus 0-3 (0-1)

/Muharemovic 16 og, Miretti 62, David 63/

Wednesday

Bologna - Atalanta IN PROGRESS

Napoli - Verona IN PROGRESS

22.45: (2.45) Lazio (3.30) Fiorentina (3.20)

22.45: (9.00) Parma (5.00) Inter (1.40)

22.45: (2.40) Torino (3.25) Udinese (3.30)

Thursday

20.30: (2.45) Cremonese (3.15) Cagliari (3.05)

22.45: (1.43) Milan (4.30) Genoa (8.00)

***odds are subject to change***