The January transfer window has arrived and, while there is a focus on the teams looking to add for a chance to win now, this is also a crucial period for teams looking to solidify their status as a contender in the future. That is surely the case for a Milan side that has fallen to seventh in the Serie A standings throughout another tumultuous start to the season.
This is normally a very proud side that does everything within its grasp – financially or otherwise – to win. But, right now, they are preaching patience. While some fans have called for a short term fix, the reality is that this team will be much better off if they can make some moves to lay the foundation for a strong future. Here are three things that Milan must do to make this a successful transfer window.
No Short Term Fixes
There is no denying that Milan has taken swings at short term fixes and failed in past years, but this group deserves credit for not doing the same thing this season. So far, they have resisted the temptation to buy high and they should be commended for shrewdness, swapping out Fernando Torres in exchange for Alessio Cerci. While teams have found some gems in the January transfer window before, the likes of Ronaldo, Mancini, Antonio Cassano, Maxi Lopez, and Mario Balotelli are reminders of just how hit and miss it can be when you try and make additions at this time of the year.
Milan cannot afford to add these types of players at this point, as it’s going to cripple their long-term future if they strike out. While the fans want action now, perhaps no additions at all might be the best way to improve their current standing.
Addition By Subtraction
In fact it could be a case of addition by subtraction if Milan can find the right partner with which to send out one or more of its young players on loan. Milan has plenty of young talent that could be made available. Considering that players like M’Baye Niang, Riccardo Saponara and Michelangelo Albertazzi have hardly gotten any playing time, it might be wise to make a little money while also letting them gain valuable experience by playing elsewhere.
A number of teams have reportedly approached Milan in an effort to gain Niang’s services on loan. The latest rumors suggest Newcastle United and Olympiacos have him on their radar. Meanwhile, Saponara has shown flashes of his ability and could be another target for a team either in the Serie A or abroad. Milan would be smart to loan one of their young players to another club.
Finding A Striker For The Future
A lot of the moves that the fans and media are pushing for can be filed in the short-term variety that we’ve already talked about, but there’s nothing wrong for Milan to make a move as long as it addresses one of their long-term weaknesses: a striker. There is still a chance they will be able to find a long-term solution up front where they could really afford to upgrade. Right now, they’re running with only one true option in Giampaolo Pazzini, which isn’t a terrible option. However, Pazzini is already 30 years old and what Milan really needs is a pure striker to install as a centerpiece. Ciro Immobile, Stefano Okaka, and Mattia Destro have all been linked to Milan in recent months and if the price is right, then Milan would be wise to make a move.
Avoiding short-term fixes and allowing young players to gain valuable experience on loan are two keys for Milan during the transfer window but if a long-term fix at the striker position is available that is the one other area where this club would really benefit during the January transfer window.
