A defensive reshuffle this season has led to a more limited role for Alessio Romagnoli, but the AC Milan captain remains a key part of Stefano Pioli’s plans.
The 26-year-old has made 11 appearances across all competitions to date, but has found himself on the bench more often than not due to the blossoming partnership between Fikayo Tomori and Simon Kjaer in the heart of the Rossoneri backline.
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Given his standing as club captain, having been a fundamental figure for us in recent years and with his Italy hopes on the line with the World Cup next year, Romagnoli hasn’t caused any issues at all despite undoubtedly being left frustrated by his lack of regular playing time.
Further, with his current contract set to expire next summer, it could have led to a downing of the tools as it must be difficult for him to not be playing week in and week out as he enters the peak years of his career.
With question marks hanging over his future at Milan, what should the club do?
Romagnoli should be offered new contract, Milan must push to keep him
Ultimately, it’s an easy answer. From a Milan perspective, we have three top-class defenders to play in the middle, and if we want to continue to compete across multiple fronts at the highest level, we need to keep that level of competition and cover across all positions in the squad.
Naturally that strategy hinges on all concerned being happy to deal with that and perhaps not necessarily play every week, but if they are, then there is no reason why Milan shouldn’t be looking to tie Romagnoli’s future down sooner rather than later, and avoid losing an important player and senior figure in the squad.
If he were to leave, we’d lose a top individual and be forced to splash out in the transfer market to replace him. Given the quality and experience he possesses, there is no guarantee that we’d be able to bring in an upgrade.
In turn, the hope is that Milan and Romagnoli are able to come to an agreement on fresh terms to extend his stay at San Siro beyond next summer. He still has a vital role to play for us in the coming years, and he has shown great professionalism and love for the club by producing when called upon and doing what is best for the team to succeed.
Having been there through some difficult times at Milan in recent years, he’ll be one of those in the current squad who is itching more than anyone else to bring silverware to the club this season and try to build on that moving forward and enjoy happier times with the Rossoneri. Hopefully the middle ground is there for both sides to reach a deal in order to keep our captain around.
