Fiorentina midfielder Antonin Barak has revealed that he was very close to joining AC Milan, but the deal fell apart when it was advanced.
It was reported back in the 2022 winter transfer window that the then-head coach Stefano Pioli was ‘infatuated’ by Barak and wanted him at Milan to boost the Scudetto bid. At that time he was starring for Hellas Verona, as an attacking midfielder who could also play out wide.
In the end, Barak would join Fiorentina for €12m where he still is now. As fate would have it, Pioli has just returned to La Viola to become their new manager meaning he will finally get chance to work with the Czech forward.
In an interview with diretta.it, Barak revealed a behind-the-scenes tale about a possible move to Milan which later fell through. His words have been relayed by MilanPress.
“If I’m really good, I don’t think Fiorentina will let me go. Besides, I’m in the final year of my contract, so it’s my last chance,” he said.
“Fiorentina will now have Pioli as their coach, who wanted me at Milan a few years ago, but unfortunately, things didn’t work out at the last minute, so from what I imagine, I shouldn’t be out of their plans.”
