It’s only a matter of time before Theo Hernandez becomes a former Milan player after renewal talks broke down. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Frenchman will leave the San Siro either in the summer or 2026.
Hernandez’s contract at Milan runs out in a year and a half. Despite the club’s persistent attempt to tie him down to a new deal, the 27-year-old’s request for a substantial pay rise has seen the 19-time Serie A champions walk away from negotiations.
Meanwhile, the most prolific full-back in Milan history seems to be doing his best to accelerate his exit. His mindless red card against Feyenoord sealed Milan’s fate in the Champions League, condemning Serio Conceicao’s side to a lackluster knockout playoff exit.
Despite apologizing to his teammates after the match, Hernadnez’s head seems far away from Milan. Last summer, he drew inquiries from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Furthermore, downtrodden Premier League champions Manchester City are also in the mix.
Therefore, Milan will inevitably wave goodbye to the ex-Atletico Madrid star. Replacing a player of his quality won’t be simple. The Italian heavyweights are already scouring the market for potential replacements.
Per Calciomercato, Vasco Da Gama left-back Lucas Piton Crivellaro has emerged as a potential target for Milan. The 24-year-old holds an Italian passport and could be available for a meager €9 million. Meanwhile, Club Brugge’s Maxim De Cuyper is among the club’s long-term targets.
Milan could also decide to hand homegrown starlet Davide Bartesaghi a chance to fill Hernandez’s shoes.
