AC Milan are expected to have two new starters in the full-back positions for next season, and it could see the balance shift.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) recall, Milan in the last few years have leaned to the left, with Theo Hernandez leader of a flank that – with Rafael Leao – became known for explosive runs, clever combinations and of course goals.
From next season the club will review its convictions: with the trust withdrawn from Theo, they will look for new leaders, perhaps on the other side of the field. Hernandez seems to have convinced himself to accept Al-Hilal, and that is an important starting point.
Two new starters targeted
If Theo leaves, Milan will then be able to rebalance the forces. Among the candidates are Tiago Santos of Lille and now also Vanderson of Monaco. They are different profiles: the former is 22 and recovering from a long injury, while the latter at 24 is in the decisive phase of his career.
Tiago Santos was the first to be intercepted by the Rossoneri radar: in his debut season in France, after Lille had purchased him from the Portuguese side Estoril Praia, who in turn had noticed him among the young players of Sporting CP.
The result: 56 games with Lille, four goals scored in total. In the first season 43 games and three goals, one for each competition: Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Conference League. In the one just ended 13 appearances and one goal, after a cruciate ligament injury in his left knee.
He has been out since October but the recovery process is nearing completion, even if it will have to be followed by a gradual phase of return to the group once the season resume. The physical unknown inevitably weighs on the economic evaluation, with a negotiable €15m price hypothesised.
For this reason Milan believe he can become an opportunity. The talent is in fact indisputable: punctual in marking, fast and precise in attacking movements. A combination that the last Milan did not find with Kyle Walker and Emerson Royal, while Alex Jimenez is better in the final third.
New solutions are needed: a reserve can be offered by the return of Alexis Saelemaekers, back from the loan to Roma. Allegri will evaluate him closely in preseason.
Alternative Another track leads to Vanderson, a Brazilian full-back at Monaco. Having been in France since January 2022 after his debut in Gremio, he has racked up 125 appearances and eight goals, plus nine games in the last Champions League.
Milan like him as well as other clubs, and if the market sets the price, the player’s has increased in the last period to no less than €20-25m. Having entered permanently into the circle of the Brazilian national team has helped Monaco to ask for a bit more.
