Some of the big news coming from the continent yesterday was the sacking of Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara by AC Milan.
The pair had been operating as the Italian club’s directors of football, and from the outside they appeared to be doing a good job. On a limited budget and without the pulling power of Milan teams of old they built a team which won Serie A two years ago, and then reached the Champions League semi final last season.
They dropped off in the league, but that was only to be expected. To us it seemed a project that was moving forward, and we’re surprised to see that it’s this pair who have been given the bullet. On a Chelsea front it’s possibly fatal for the sale of Ruben Loftus-Cheek to Milan.
Décision très brutale de Cardinale, personne ne s'y attendait. Par exemple, les agents de Loftus-Cheek étaient attendus à Casa Milan ce lundi pour des rdv, avant qu'ils soient annulés peu avant. L'arrivée de Kamada avait déjà été formalisée en coulisses. #Maldini
— GuillaumeMP (@Guillaumemp) June 5, 2023
That deal was very far along and we expected it confirmed within a week or two – now that’s no longer the case. Maldini was apparently due to meet Loftus-Cheek’s agent just hours after his sacking, and we will now have to wait and see whether those who take over from the pair are still interested in the Chelsea man at the same price.
Perhaps things are so far along the those put in temporary charge will just wave it through and consider it a done deal – or maybe the whole thing will be blown up entirely. It’s going to be an exciting few days, either way.
