Editorial

Goal.com Summer Shopping: Who Should Milan Buy?

Goal.com's transfer special series comes to focus on the Rossoneri...

Jun 17, 2009 3:00:21 PM

Giuseppe Rossi made the difference for Villarreal as they overcame Sporting Gijon on Saturday night.

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Giuseppe Rossi made the difference for Villarreal as they overcame Sporting Gijon on Saturday night.

Teams

Milan

The 2008/09 season proved to be a trophyless one for Milan, as they finished third in Serie A, reached the last 32 of the UEFA Cup, and were knocked out of the Coppa Italia in the last 16.

Having not won Serie A for five years, and the Champions League for two, a summer revolution could be in place to ensure that Milan win a major title next term. Leonardo has replaced Chelsea-bound Carlo Ancelotti as coach, but the biggest news was the sale of star man Kaka for a whopping €67 million. Milan have already used some of this money to virtually sign Porto left-back Aly Cissokho, but at the time of writing there is a hitch with his medical.

After an explosive start to the summer transfer season, Carlo Garganese looks at what extra additions should be made to give Milan the best chance of succeeding in 2009/10.

Preferred Line-Up (4-3-1-2)

Abbiati

Zambrotta   Nesta   Thiago Silva   Cissokho

Flamini   Pirlo   Felipe Melo

Rossi

Dzeko   Pato

Subs: Dida, Santacroce, Panucci, Darmian, Bonera, Kaladze, Gattuso, Ambrosini, Seedorf, Rosina, Borriello, Inzaghi

IN (6):

Fabiano Santacroce (Napoli): ‘Emperor Nero’ has had a troubled 2008-09 season on-and-off the pitch, and was even left out of Italy’s European Under-21 Championships squad, but his ability and potential is not in doubt, and he is regarded by many as the peninsula’s most promising young defender. Santacroce has never hidden his admiration for Milan, and he would be able to play in both the centre and on the right.

Christian Panucci (Roma): Panucci’s contract with Roma runs out this summer, and he is almost certain to leave now that coach Luciano Spalletti is staying. Available on a free transfer, Panucci would be a valuable, experienced defender to have in your squad. Before Milan sign him though, they should receive guarantees from the 36-year-old that he does not expect to play every game. A one-year rolling contract would suit both parties.

Felipe Melo (Fiorentina): Arguably the best all-round midfielder in Serie A last season, Felipe Melo is just the kind of complete central midfielder the Rossoneri need. Aside from his class on the ball going forward, the Brazilian also cuts an impressive physical figure, and he would help toughen up the core, allowing Andrea Pirlo to work his magic. At the age of 25, Felipe Melo is at the perfect age. He is also the right nationality.

Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal): The whole of Italy is talking about Rossi following his heroics against the United States in the Confederations Cup, and the Villarreal starlet has now staked his claim as the Azzurri’s brightest hope for the future. It is only a matter of time until the 22-year-old returns to Serie A, and Milan are one of only three clubs who can realistically afford him. The Rossoneri would have to spend almost half the money they received for Kaka, but he would be the perfect replacement in the ‘hole’.

Alessandro Rosina (Torino): Rosina is a player just waiting to explode, but unfortunately he has spent the early years of his career at clubs not worthy of his talent. Following Torino’s relegation, it is inconceivable that Rosina could play in Serie B, and the player should be available at a cut-price. A perfect alternative to Rossi as the trequartista, or even in the support striker role.

Edin Dzeko (Wolfsburg): The revelation of European football during the 2009 calendar year, it is no secret that Milan want to sign Dzeko. The Bosnian is the complete frontman, with pace, skill, strength, vision and aerial ability among his many impressive attributes. Providing he settles in Italy, he will surely be a major hit in the fashion capital.

OUT (7):

Zeljko Kalac – The veteran is a disaster waiting to happen every time he pulls on the gloves.

Marco Storari – The 32-year-old will either be third choice or he will be sent on his way again.

Massimo Oddo – Will return from his loan spell at Bayern Munich, but is way past his best, and should be sold-on immediately.

Digao – Now that his brother Kaka has gone, there is no reason to keep Digao in Milan.

Giuseppe Favalli – Time for Favalli to retire

Luca Antonini – Could be on his way to newly-promoted Parma

Marek Jankulovski – The Czech Republic wing-back’s legs are starting to go, but his reputation could still see Milan fetch a useful €8m or so.

Ronaldinho – There are widespread reports that Ronaldinho could receive a new lease of life under Leonardo, but if I was coach I wouldn’t take this risk. A Premier League club, like Manchester City, would be prepared to shell out €25m for Ronnie, knowing that they will recoup it on shirt sales, and this money could then be used to invest in guaranteed younger talents like Felipe Melo and Giuseppe Rossi.

Out On Loan: Mattias Cardacio, Tabare Viudez, Willy Aubameyang

Delay Co-ownership Decision: Ignazio Abate, Alberto Paloschi

Who do you believe Milan should buy and sell? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...

Carlo Garganese, Goal.com

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