Despite having recently extended his contract, Maignan may still leave Milan.
The paradox at Milan is that everything is changing, yet nothing seems to have changed. Decisions previously made forcefully by the club are often quickly overturned due to poor on-field results. This was the case with Allegri and his coaching staff, and it might be the same for Maignan. As captain and leader, Maignan was part of a Milan team that ranked second for three-quarters of the season, but ultimately failed to secure qualification for next season's Champions League.
It feels like a long time since "Maignan Day" on January 31st, but in reality, it was only four months ago. At that time, after lengthy and complex negotiations, the French goalkeeper smiled for the cameras as he signed a contract extension, a new deal until 2031 with an annual salary of approximately 5 million euros, plus 2 million euros in bonuses. After months of stagnation, "Magic Mike" accepted Milan's offer, due to the deep relationships he had built with Allegri, Tare, and especially goalkeeper coach Filippi.
With their departure, Maignan feels he has lost important support and is considering a tough and potentially divisive decision: leaving Milan. As is normal, his agent, Jonathan Kebe, is exploring the market to find the best possible solution.
Currently, the more specific directions are Atubolu and Caprile.
It must first be stated that there are currently no substantive negotiations regarding the sale of Maignan; everything is still in a comprehensive assessment phase. Milan may also consider letting go of the French goalkeeper to reduce costs in a season without Champions League qualification.
Milan must prepare in advance, preferably by choosing a goalkeeper whose strengths and weaknesses the club is familiar with. While awaiting direct communication from Maignan, Milan may use scouting reports to find replacements, including Cagliari's "Cat Man" Caprile, and Germany's U21 national team starter Atubolu. Atubolu's contract with Freiburg expires in 2027, and the player is also interested in trying new challenges. Freiburg has already taken action, bringing in Mio Backhaus from Werder Bremen, precisely to prepare for the possible departure of their starting goalkeeper.