When Lucas Biglia joined Milan from Lazio in 2017, he was seen as an important part of our rebuild in terms of adding experience and leadership to a young group.
Capped countless times by Argentina and with well over 100 appearances in Italy to his name, it seemed like a sensible decision to bring in the midfield stalwart, despite already being around the 30 years of age mark.
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With a squad lacking what he offered, it was hoped that it would add balance to the side, but ultimately it hasn’t worked out as planned.
While Biglia has played a key role at times and has impressed in the heart of our midfield, it hasn’t been consistent enough and it has gradually become apparent, particularly this season, that he arguably doesn’t have a role to play for us moving forward.
From making 37 appearances in his first season with us in the 2017/18 campaign, he managed just 19 outings last year as injuries have also been an issue for the ageing midfielder while loanee Tiemoue Bakayoko kept him out of the side for long periods.
He’s made just seven appearances to date this season, and with Ismael Bennacer being added to the squad and showing how energy, mobility and more intensity and urgency can make an important impact in that department, the writing seems to be on the wall for Biglia.
As noted by MilanNews, it has been suggested that while Milan are looking to add another regista to the squad moving forward, they don’t intend on renewing Biglia’s contract, which is scheduled to expire at the end of this season.
While it will be important to replace him, perhaps with another experienced figure to offer competition in that holding midfield role and an alternative to Bennacer if he is to be shifted into a more advanced role in the midfield trio, Biglia has perhaps now run his course at Milan.
Admittedly, his reading of the game and defensive coverage in front of the backline has its benefits, and he can certainly still play a tidy role in terms of his distribution.
However, whether it’s his fading physicality, mobility or worrying habit of seeing the game bypass him both defensively and offensively as he seemingly is often seen lost in games trotting around the pitch, particularly towards the latter stages, there is surely a strong argument in favour of moving on from him.
Time will tell if Milan do indeed officially allow him to leave on a free transfer next summer, or perhaps if we’re fortunate enough an interested party may try to prise him away in January for a cut-price deal.
Either way, Biglia may well be on his way out of Milan in 2020, and it surely has to be seen as the right decision for all concerned if it materialises.