The summer transfer window is a peculiar beast, often resembling a high-stakes poker game more than a straightforward negotiation. Clubs shuffle their cards, bluff, and occasionally fold, all under the watchful eye of a demanding fan base. For AC Milan, the quest for a new center-forward has been particularly intricate, with the club now appearing to shift its focus dramatically from one prominent target to another: Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United.
The Vlahovic Conundrum: A Price Too High?
For weeks, Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus was widely considered AC Milan`s primary objective for bolstering their attacking line, envisioned as the ideal partner for Gimenez. The Serbian international, with his proven Serie A pedigree, certainly possesses the profile Milan seeks. However, the pursuit of Vlahovic proved to be fraught with familiar complications: astronomical transfer fees and a prohibitive salary. Juventus, never one to easily part with key assets, demanded a premium that reflected both Vlahovic`s potential and their own financial considerations. Furthermore, his current wage, reportedly four times that of Hojlund`s, presented a significant hurdle for Milan`s carefully managed budget.
Hojlund: A Pragmatic Pivot with Strategic Upside
Enter Rasmus Hojlund. The Danish striker, currently with Manchester United, presents a considerably less complex proposition. While his debut season in England may not have entirely met the lofty expectations, his potential remains undeniable. Crucially, Manchester United`s attacking department is already well-stocked, and the rumored impending arrival of talents like Sesko could further ease Hojlund`s potential departure. This dynamic creates an opportune window for Milan.
Milan`s proposed structure for acquiring Hojlund is a strategic masterstroke: a loan deal with an option to buy. This arrangement significantly mitigates immediate financial risk, deferring a substantial outlay until Hojlund has proven his worth at San Siro. The reported option-to-buy clause, estimated between €30-35 million, represents a more palatable figure than Vlahovic`s outright valuation. Moreover, Hojlund`s current salary of approximately €3 million per season aligns perfectly with Milan`s pragmatic approach to player wages. The player himself has reportedly expressed a strong desire to return to Italy, a factor that often smooths over the rough edges of transfer negotiations.
The Accelerated Timeline: Decisive Weekend Ahead
The shift towards Hojlund isn`t just a change of heart; it`s a calculated acceleration. While Milan had initially planned to finalize their striking acquisition later in August, hoping for more favorable terms on Vlahovic, the unpredictable nature of the transfer market dictates agility. Waiting for a hypothetical softening of Juventus`s stance on Vlahovic, perhaps contingent on a separate deal involving Kolo Muani, carried too much risk and uncertainty. Time, as the saying goes, waits for no club.
To that end, Milan`s emissaries have already moved the “playing field” to England, engaging in direct discussions with Manchester United. This proactive stance is a clear indication of the heightened urgency. These preparatory talks are expected to see significant developments this upcoming weekend, coinciding with Milan`s pre-season friendlies against Leeds and Chelsea in Dublin and London. It appears the club intends to capitalize on their presence in the UK to push the Hojlund deal across the finish line.
Conclusion: A Calculated Gamble for Rossoneri`s Future
Having already secured promising young talents like Jashari and Athekame this summer, Milan`s focus is squarely on this final, pivotal piece of their transfer puzzle. The pivot to Hojlund underscores a pragmatic, financially sensible strategy, proving that sometimes, the most effective path isn`t the most glamorous, but the one that makes the most economic and strategic sense in the long run. As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on Milan`s transfer strategists, hoping their calculated pivot will bring the much-needed reinforcement to their attacking arsenal.
