{"id":504547,"date":"2019-08-12T15:07:40","date_gmt":"2019-08-12T19:07:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=504547"},"modified":"2019-08-12T15:07:40","modified_gmt":"2019-08-12T19:07:40","slug":"ac-milans-transfer-window-graded-thus-far","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2019\/08\/12\/ac-milans-transfer-window-graded-thus-far\/","title":{"rendered":"AC Milan’s Transfer Window Graded Thus Far"},"content":{"rendered":"

The inability to qualify for Champions League<\/a> has haunted AC Milan<\/a> for several seasons now. The\u00a0Rossoneri<\/em> came close last season, as they missed qualification by a single point on the last day of the season. Failure to qualify once again could very well result in the departures of the squad’s young core, so Paolo Maldini and company faced a tough task of upgrading the squad on a somewhat limited budget this summer. Let’s dip into the grades of AC Milan’s transfer signings this summer.<\/p>\n

AC Milan’s Transfer Window Graded So Far<\/h2>\n

Defence<\/h3>\n

The first splash in the defence came with the signing of left-back Theo Hern\u00e1ndez<\/a>. The Frenchman originally signed for Real Madrid in 2017 after great success in Atletic\u00f3 de Madrid’s youth sector and Alav\u00e9s. With Marcelo<\/a> in the fold, however, Hern\u00e1ndez rarely saw the pitch for\u00a0Los Blancos<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Hern\u00e1ndez was on loan at Real Sociedad last season. His contributions in attack alongside his defensive prowess definitely caught the eye newly appointed Milan manager Marco Giampaolo and Maldini. Giampaolo’s style of play calls for attack-minded and high-motor full-backs, and Hern\u00e1ndez will immediately put pressure on Ricardo Rodriguez<\/a> and could be the new starter in no time. Milan’s transfer singing grade of the full-back is an A-.<\/p>\n

The next move in the defence was L\u00e9o Duarte<\/a> from Flamengo. Duarte didn’t arrive with as much fanfare as former Flamengo man Lucas Paquet\u00e1<\/a>, but that is because Duarte is solely a depth signing for now. He did come with high praise from Flamengo’s manager, but Mattia Caldara<\/a>, when healthy, is still the number one option alongside Alessio Romagnoli<\/a> in the centre of the defence. Milan’s transfer signing grade of Duarte is a B-.<\/p>\n

Midfield<\/h3>\n

Rade Krunic<\/a> from Empoli was Milan’s first signing of the window. The Bosnian can be reminiscent of former\u00a0Rossonero\u00a0<\/em>Juraj Kucka<\/a>. Krunic isn’t the most gifted player but looks to be the kind of player who will give his all to the badge. He will translate well into a solid depth option in the midfield. Milan’s transfer signing grade of Krunic is a B.<\/p>\n

The second midfield signing, Isma\u00ebl Bennacer<\/a>, also came from Empoli. Bennacer was Empoli’s star last season, and one of the best young midfielders in Italy. He wasn’t a popular name at first, but performed admirably in the African Cup of Nations this summer, leading Algeria to the trophy and securing player of the tournament honours. The “regista” role will be his starting on day one. Bennacer also came at a bargain of a deal, giving Milan a transfer signing grade of an A-.<\/p>\n

Attack<\/h3>\n

Milan’s sole signing in the attack thus far has been Rafael Le\u00e3o<\/a>. The Portuguese youngster broke out at Lille last season, helping them secure Champions League qualification. Although he has the size and technical ability to start as a lone striker, he will likely play right behind Krzysztof Pi\u0105tek<\/a> in a two-man striker formation.<\/p>\n

Le\u00e3o will be watched carefully by the\u00a0Rossoneri\u00a0<\/em>faithful. His arrival lead to the departure of Patrick Cutrone<\/a>, a fan favourite. Cutrone’s style of play simply did not fit well with Pi\u0105tek, but Le\u00e3o’s should. Le\u00e3o’s blistering pace will provide another outlet besides Pi\u0105tek’s traditional number nine style. Milan’s transfer signing grade of Le\u00e3o is a B+.<\/p>\n

Overall Grade of Milan’s Transfer Signings<\/h3>\n

The Serie A transfer window is still open for nearly two more weeks. Movement should still be expected, especially from Milan who are rumoured with a few other big names. For now, their overall market receives a grade of a B. The squad has definitely improved, but one other big-name starter is needed for Milan to definitely be in the hunt for the Champions League.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n