Bharath Rammr
AC Milan were recently taken over by Chinese investors after decades under the regime of Silvio Berlusconi. The club experienced immense success during the early years of the regime. Financial difficulties, however, have meant that they have been even unable to finish in the Europa League places over the last few years. The recent takeover by Chinese investors has promised plenty of money to invest in the transfer market for manager Vincenzo Montella, who has made an excellent impression in the first few months at the club.
Along with this new found wealth, the club have started looking at value offerings than marquee signings. After all, a club like Milan do not need an introduction in the world of football. The seven time European champions have all the pedigree and they require only the quality players. As a result, Milan have been linked with quality and talented players but those on the peripheries of their respective clubs. Memphis Depay appears to have been a major transfer target for Milan. Unable to get into the Manchester United team under Jose Mourinho, the Dutchman is widely expected to leave the club in January.
Now, the reports from Italian media CalcioMercatoWeb is stating that Morgan Schneiderlin, who is rated at €31.1 Million by the CIES Football Observatory, is a player who is very much linked with an exit. The French international recently started in the Europa League loss against Fenerbahce only to be replaced at the half-time. It is clear that he does not have any place in Mourinho’s plans for the club. Despite being one of the talented players and United struggling for quality numbers in the midfield, Mourinho has been reluctant to use the former Southampton player.
Milan were last seen in the top three back in the 2012-13 season. Since then, they have managed to finish 8th, 10th, and 7th in the last three seasons. The club are clearly long away from their best times, but revival certainly seems to be on the way. Schneiderlin, though, may initially arrive at the San Siro on a loan deal if rumours are to be believed. It is almost certain that Milan will have the option of buying the midfielder on a permanent basis if they are satisfied with his performances.
After having started his career with Strasbourg, Schneiderlin moved to the English south coast in 2008 and was part of the Southampton team that went as far as the League One before bouncing back to the Premier League. After signed by United for around £25 million, he made 39 appearances in his first season at the club.
Now, he only has six minutes on the pitch in the Premier League. Other clubs will also be interested in Schneiderlin if he becomes available. Spurs came close to signing him in the summer only for United to reject the deal.
