In what was a surprise transfer on deadline day, AC Milan completed the signing of Messias Junior from Crotone to bolster our attacking options this season.
The 30-year-old moved to Italy in 2011 and while it has been a long road for him since in getting to the top, it has been an incredible rise for him during his career.
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After spells at Casale, Chieri, Gozzano and then Crotone, he has landed a dream move to the Rossoneri as per the club’s official site as he joins on an initial loan deal with an option to buy, and it is an exceptional story for Messias Junior who will no doubt be relishing this opportunity.
Chance of a lifetime for Messias Junior at Milan
Naturally, there will be scepticism from some quarters over this move given his lack of experience and pedigree at the top level, as Milan needed to strengthen the squad this summer to challenge for major honours.
Given some of the names that had been linked over the summer, it seemed a rather underwhelming move in many ways, but that will hopefully be further fuel for Messias Junior to prove his doubters wrong.
The Brazilian forward scored nine goals and provided four assists in 36 games in Serie A last season and so he has shown for a club that struggled at the wrong end of the table, that he could be decisive.
With quality around him in the Milan squad, it will be up to him to benefit from that and be increasingly impactful when given an opportunity as while competition is fierce under Stefano Pioli, it will also hopefully take his game to the next level to train with his new teammates day in and day out.
Messias Junior will also bring versatility and flexibility to Pioli’s squad, as he has played in various roles during his time in Italy from a centre forward to a second striker or a right-winger.
He has even played in midfield at times, but ultimately it’s likely that Milan will use him as an alternative option either through the middle in place of Brahim Diaz when there is rotation, or on the right wing as he looks to compete with Alexis Saelemaekers.
Time will tell just how much playing time he gets this season, but with Milan looking to challenge for the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia as well as be competitive in the Champions League, there are a lot of games on our schedule this season and that means a strong squad with depth will be needed.
That’s what Pioli has now, and it’s hoped that Messias Junior makes the most of this incredible opportunity he’s been given, as while Milan clearly believe in his ability already having signed him, it’s now up to him to show that he belongs at this level and can make a telling impact for his new club.
