It is still pre-season, so Milan cannot take too much from things. A lot like is the case with their own pre-season. A win against Liverpool does not make them the best team in Europe, or one of them. It does give signs, though.
Yesterday, one was provided by Vlahovic, who the Rossoneri have been courting all summer, as Gazzetta dello Sport write, as seen below.
Yes, it was against Reggiana, but within a few minutes, Vlahovic was dangerous and eventually got his first chance and then goal of the season. ‘More cunning’ than anyone else, the Serbian with a trademark goal.
It does not change anything for any party. He still wants a new start, Juventus still have him ‘separated’ from the squad, and Milan still remains interested. Nevertheless, it shows that he has also not changed.
In the midst of all this drama, he can still be the striker that the Diavolo need. Of course, the goal was the centre-piece, but he also had a few other nice chances, as well as a good ball into Yildiz. Showing that he can be a complete forward.
This month, a divorce can still be finalised with the Old Lady, which is the hope of everyone. Doing so, though, remains to be seen. The right moment is being waited for. On the 10th of August, they will return to Italy from Germany.
Vlahovic could return before then, of course.
Things need to be worked out, of course. This is a chess game, and neither party wants to be checked. Nevertheless, with time running out, there may be a need to start being bolder. It also leans on what Juventus do.
Perhaps a move is more likely after they sign Kolo-Muani. The situation would definitely be different then.
A swap deal could be considered, and someone could be sacrificed to lessen the cash required to bring him to Milano. Then, there are the inevitable budget issues. The Rossoneri will not pay him a €12 million salary.
Instead, the striker hopes for €6-7m, plus bonuses. Is that possible? It remains to be seen. However, doing that would increase the contractual bar for everyone, looking at Mike Maignan and Christian Pulisic, for example.
There are a lot more pieces on the board than is ideal; that much is certain.
