This afternoon, Carlo Pellegatti revealed what happened when AC Milan tried to sign Rasmus Hojlund in the summer, even stating that it was a done deal.
How Milan operate in the mercato is of great interest for many. Indeed, the spending is often scrutinised and the sales even more so. Today, there have been renewed questions about RedBird’s plans and perhaps this story may feed them more.
A little under 10 months ago, the Rossoneri were looking to sign out-of-favour Manchester United striker Hojlund. The Dane was on his way out and with Massimiliano Allegri wanting a true striker, the youngster was a priority target.
Yet, he headed to Napoli instead, with the Diavolo fumbling over fees.
Pellegatti tells all
Today, Pellegatti has looked at what happened for the deal to break down and why the former Atalanta man is now scoring goals in Naples, rather than at San Siro. His words to Pressing have been relayed by MilanNews.
“We need to apologise to Max Allegri, who, even making me angry, always said that Milan had to finish in the top four, but he did so because he knew the limits of his team. Some say this team is strong, but if we make a comparison with last year’s squad, Thiaw, Theo and Reijnders are no longer there.
“I also mention the names of Abraham and Jovic because today Milan doesn’t have two players like Abraham and Jovic. Allegri knew the limits of the team. And then in January the disaster happened: in December he asked for a striker and a defender because he was fighting for the Scudetto, but the club told him that there wasn’t a single euro.
“They signed Fullkrug, Disasi they wouldn’t let him sign, but then at a certain poin, the 30 million for Mateta appeared.
“AC Milan [in the summer] had already bought Hojlund, on loan with an obligation to buy for €35 million. It was all done, but the club said they didn’t want the obligation. So he went to Napoli. What can Allegri do if they sign Nkunku on the last day after making the mistake of signing Boniface?
“AC Milan have needed a strong striker for years and they still haven’t signed him. Even in January, the club showed they don’t have the right ambition.