DONE DEAL, Agreement Reached – Club have confirmed in an OFFICIAL statement that they have Reached and Agreement with City on biggest big-name arrival since Halaand Joined Manchester City in 2022
AC Milan’s technical director, Geoffrey Moncada, has strongly suggested that the club may have no choice but to sell star left-back Theo Hernandez this summer if the Frenchman opts against signing a contract extension. With just under 18 months remaining on his current deal, Hernandez’s future at San Siro remains uncertain, fueling speculation about a high-profile transfer.
Since arriving at Milan in 2019, Hernandez has cemented his reputation as one of the finest left-backs in world football. The 27-year-old has made 249 appearances for the Rossoneri across all competitions, registering 33 goals and 44 assists. His contributions were pivotal in Milan’s 2021-22 Serie A title-winning campaign, showcasing his attacking prowess and defensive solidity. However, this season has been more challenging, with the French international struggling for consistency amid reported tensions with former head coach Paulo Fonseca.
Following Fonseca’s departure, Hernandez’s form has remained inconsistent under new boss Sergio Conceicao, and with contract talks stalling, interest from Europe’s elite clubs is intensifying. Among the suitors, Manchester City is reportedly leading the race to sign the dynamic full-back, ahead of his former club, Real Madrid.
Man City Leading Race as Real Madrid Lurks
Hernandez’s desire to return to the Bernabeu has been a recurring topic of discussion. Having spent two seasons at Real Madrid between 2017 and 2019, he made only 23 appearances before moving to Milan in a €20m deal. However, while a homecoming has long been rumored, recent reports indicate that Hernandez is now more inclined to test himself in the Premier League, with City emerging as the frontrunners.
It is believed that Milan could sanction his departure for as little as €35m (£29m), a relatively modest fee for a player of his caliber. With Pep Guardiola keen to strengthen City’s left-back position, Hernandez’s blend of speed, attacking threat, and defensive resilience makes him an ideal target.
While Manchester United and Bayern Munich have also been linked, their interest appears to have faded. United’s struggles to secure European football next season diminish their chances, while Bayern’s recent contract renewal for Alphonso Davies makes a move to the Bundesliga less likely.
Milan’s Stance: Renew or Sell
Hernandez featured in Milan’s 2-1 defeat to Bologna on Thursday, and ahead of the match, Geoffrey Moncada made it clear that the club will not allow key players to run down their contracts and leave for free. This could be a decisive factor in whether Hernandez stays or departs.
Moncada acknowledged ongoing renewal efforts for both Hernandez and first-choice goalkeeper Mike Maignan, whose contracts expire in June 2026. While discussions are progressing positively for midfield duo Tijani Reijnders and Christian Pulisic, Moncada emphasized that Milan must maintain control over player contracts to avoid costly free departures.
“The renewals are very positive,” Moncada told DAZN. “We worked well thanks to the club. We did everything to renew with the players. We’re very close on Reijnders and Pulisic. As for Theo and Maignan, the same principle applies—it’s important to have control over our players. We cannot lose them for free, ever. We work hard, and it seems the players are happy here.”
While Moncada’s comments suggest optimism about Hernandez staying, Fabrizio Romano has reported that Milan has been internally considering his sale since December 2023. This opens the door for a possible exit in the upcoming transfer window, boosting the hopes of interested clubs like Man City and Real Madrid.
As the summer window approaches, Milan faces a crucial decision: push harder for an extension or cash in on Hernandez while they still can. His next move could shape the club’s transfer strategy and impact the race for one of the most talented left-backs in Europe.
