AC Milan boss Paulo Fonseca has opened the door for Alexis Saelemaekers to get another chance at the club having been left impressed by the Belgian.
After joining the Rossoneri in 2020, the 25-year-old was sent out on loan to Bologna last season as it appeared to be the start of the end of his time at the club with Milan seemingly moving in a different direction.
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Saelemaekers impressed for the Rossoblu last year as he contributed four goals and three assists in 32 appearances, helping them secure a place in the Champions League this season.
However, having returned to us this summer as our Serie A rivals haven’t opted to make his switch permanent, it appears as though the Belgian international has played his way into contention and will be given a fresh chance under Fonseca, having been offloaded by his predecessor Stefano Pioli.
“He is a player who I really like for his quality,” the Portuguese tactician is quoted as saying by Antonio Vitiello. “He is one of those that all coaches want to have, because he can play in many positions. I’d like him to stay”
Those comments came after Saelemaekers impressed in our 3-2 win over Manchester City this weekend as our pre-season preparations continue, and so if he is able to continue to make a positive impact consistently in the coming weeks, it looks as though he could have a key role to play for us moving forward.
With just 10 goals and 14 assists in 140 outings for the Rossoneri, his biggest criticism has always been his inconsistency and lack of a clinical edge in the final third, be it as a direct threat or producing an end product for his teammates.
In turn, there could arguably be a split in opinion from Milan fans on this latest development, as it could be argued that we should be looking to add more a decisive player to the ranks.
That said, Saelemaekers has always been a useful squad player given his versatility and work ethic, but hopefully with Fonseca’s backing and belief in his ability to be an important option for him, he can have his best season yet in a Milan shirt, if he does indeed stay as expected based on the Milan coach’s latest assessment.