AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw could make an unexpected switch to Real Madrid after his agents offered him to last season’s La Liga runners-up.
As per El Debate, the 22-year-old’s representatives have spotted an opportunity to cash in on their client’s rise to stardom at San Siro after Eder Militao suffered an ACL injury against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
Carlo Ancelotti has just landed Kepa Arrizabalaga as an emergency signing following Thibaut Courtois’ ACL injury. But he could soon dive back into the market to replace another first-team star.
Militao left the field in agony as Madrid thumped Bilbao 2-0 at San Mames to get the new season off to a flying start, leaving Ancelotti with a huge decision to make.
David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Nacho are the only available defensive options until the Brazil international recovers, which could take a couple of months at best.
Aware of the new circumstances at the Santiago Bernabeu, Thiaw’s agents have seen an opportunity to make a profit despite taking their client to Milan only last summer.
Although the German defender had a difficult start to life in Serie A, Simon Kjaer’s proneness to injuries helped him climb the ladder halfway through last season.
He only made two league starts for the Rossoneri until last February before nailing down a starting berth for the remainder of the season, cementing his place at the heart of Stefano Pioli’s backline.
Pioli sees Thiaw as an ideal partner to his defensive cornerstone Fikayo Tomori, giving the young centre-back plenty of game time during the club’s pre-season tour in the United States.
With Milan’s Serie A kick-off falling on August 21, it’s hard they’ll entertain offers for one of their first-team regulars this late in the transfer window, especially given the shortage of options at the back.
Sergio Ramos’ return to Madrid would be a more plausible solution for Ancelotti as the Spaniard has yet to find a new home after running down his contract at Paris Saint-Germain.
