Speculation continues to link Gonzalo Higuain with a Milan exit this month, but such a scenario makes little sense from a Rossoneri perspective.
It hasn’t been a vintage season for the 31-year-old thus far, as he’s managed just eight goals in 20 appearances since securing his initial loan move from Juventus last summer, with Milan splashing out €18m on him for this season while they must pay a further €36m to make it a permanent move at the end of the season, as per Sky Sports.
SEE MORE: AC Milan transfer news: Option on teenage starlet eyed, Gattuso blocks key exit
That included a seven-game goalless streak in Serie A which also saw him get sent off against Juve, albeit he did finally find the back of the net against SPAL prior to the winter break.
In turn, that will hopefully boost his confidence and morale in the coming months, as ultimately regardless of whether or not he’s a long-term solution up front, he is fundamental to Milan’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League as he has the prolific record to suggest that he can still fire us into the top four in Serie A.
As per the Metro, it’s suggested that Higuain’s agent is in London this week as he continues to be linked with a reunion with Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea.
Question marks can be raised over his goalscoring record for us this season, his attitude and lack of leadership at times and the ongoing discussion off the pitch amongst the hierarchy over what is needed from him to help lead us to our objective this year.
Nevertheless, allowing him to cut short his loan deal and move elsewhere with no guarantee that we’ll be able to sign a viable alternative to fill the void left behind makes this a nightmare scenario for us.
Gennaro Gattuso is already short of options up front as he has had to heavily rely upon Higuain and Patrick Cutrone, and so if the former was to leave this month, can Cutrone take on that responsibility alone and ensure we finish in the top four? Can we really land a world-class replacement to help him?
It has to be said that it’s still too early in his career for that, while he doesn’t have the all-round game to be a talismanic figure yet as he continues to develop into a top player.
With that in mind, Higuain can’t be allowed to leave in January, unless sporting director Leonardo has a surprise deal lined up that will ensure we aren’t left short up top and can provide the necessary quality in the final third to make us a more clinical outfit.
Based on the options seemingly on the market and the fees likely required, one of which is reportedly goal-shy Chelsea forward Alvaro Morata, it’s highly doubtful that it will work out well for us, and so keeping Higuain until the summer at least is fundamental to our plans.
The Argentine ace was signed to fire us back into the Champions League, the job is not yet complete and it’s hoped that despite his flaws and the troubles we’ve encountered so far this season, that Higuain and Milan will deliver on that goal between now and May.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.