From Abate to Bonaventura: the renewals situation at Milan
The AC Milan management is preparing the renewal of several stars while many others are expected to leave very soon, even for free.
Ignazio Abate: in the last two Serie A games he has started from the first minute offering very good performances. Above all against Sassuolo the 31 year old right back was decisive with great defensive interventions. His chances of renewing will depend on the developments of the coming months, when it will be more clear if Andrea Conti will be physically reliable after his return. In this case, as Davide Calabria is also a right-back, it is likely that Abate leaves Milan for free at the end of the season.
Cristian Zapata: The Colombian is appreciated by Gattuso for his professionalism and commitment but Musacchio has overcome him in the hierarchies. Considering also the return of Caldara, the 32 year old centre back is a fourth option for Rino. In 2019 Zapata will turn 33 and may decide to try an adventure elsewhere. His renewal with Milan does not seem likely to date.
Andrea Bertolacci: The Italian central midfielder remained in the Rossoneri a bit by chance this summer. Coach Gattuso tried to give him confidence but so far the former Genoa has played only against Dudelange in Europa League. Against Olympiacos he wasn’t even in the squad list and in other games in the league he has remained on the bench. Difficult to hypothesize a contract extension for him. We would not be surprised to see him leave immediately in January.
Jose Mauri: Practically the same situation like Bertolacci. Was seen on the pitch only against Dudelange, then always on the stands or the bench. The career of the 22 year old Argentine did not take off like everyone expected after the breakthrough season with Parma. The ideal for Mauri is to find a new team to re-launch himself, at Milan there is not enough space for him. He too is on the list of players sure to depart very soon. No chances for the renewal.
Riccardo Montolivo: Since the summer Gattuso made it clear that he does not consider the former captain part of the project. The Rossoneri tried to sell him and even discussed to terminate his contract, but in the end he remained at Milan. So far he has never played or even been in the squad list. Montolivo has dealt with some physical problems but he will still struggle to find space when he returns. In January he too is among the first candidates to leave San Siro.
His contract is not expiring but the club is negotiating the renewal of Giacomo Bonaventura. Leonardo and Mino Raiola have already met and the former Atalanta should extend his current agreement beyond 2020. In recent weeks there has also been talk of the possible renewal of Franck Kessie and Lucas Biglia but in their case it is likely that the club will wait the end of the season.
