AC Milan could reportedly have a decision to make on the future of Mattia Liberali this summer amid growing interest in the talented youngster.
The 18-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the top prospects to come through the youth ranks at the club in recent years, and it’s undoubtedly possible that he has a very bright future ahead of him along with the likes of Kevin Zeroli and Francesca Camarda.
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Crucially, he has to play regularly at this stage of his career to continue to improve and develop his all-round game, and ideally that would come at a high level if he isn’t going to be a part of Massimiliano Allegri’s immediate plans next season.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, both Parma and Empoli are said to be keen on signing him, but it’s unclear if that would be a loan switch or if they want to secure his signature in a permanent move.
It’s added that Milan could be open to including him an offer for Parma defender Giovanni Leoni, and so perhaps we are going to end up allowing another top talent to leave the club before he’s given a serious opportunity to establish himself in the first-team.
Time will tell if he’ll get a chance over our pre-season schedule to impress Allegri and his coaches before a decision is made over his future, but it’s certainly hoped that’s the case rather than using him as part of an offer for a transfer target in the coming weeks.
A loan stint would certainly make sense to allow him to gain further experience and continue evolving his game to prove he can step up to play for Milan, but based on the report above, there could be a big decision for the club to make as to whether or not they’re willing to lose him outright.
With significant incomings and outgoings expected this summer as Allegri builds his own squad, it’s hoped that the young talent coming through at the club isn’t entirely ignored, as ideally we’ll find a balance between bringing in reinforcements and promoting some of these youngsters to help us compete domestically next season.
Time will tell if Liberali will be part of that process, or if he will join a long list of Academy players who go on and impress elsewhere.
