After his loan spell in the 2018/19 campaign, Tiemoue Bakayoko returns to AC Milan ready to play an important role for us once again.
The 27-year-old made 42 appearances for us in his previous stint at San Siro, while a career that has struggled to live up to the expectation that hung over him at Monaco has seen him stop off at Napoli since too.
READ MORE: Assessing Milan’s 2020/21 summer transfer window
As per the club’s official site, Bakayoko has joined us on a two-year loan deal which could turn into an obligation to sign him outright if certain conditions are met, and so it remains to be seen if that materialises over the course of the next two seasons.
For now, Bakayoko’s role is clear. Depth and competition to drive the likes of Ismael Bennacer, Franck Kessie and Sandro Tonali on, as he will not have returned to the club to just sit on the bench. Given our hectic schedule this season with the Champions League added to the agenda too, there is little doubt that all four will get opportunities to play.
Bakayoko’s experience, solidity and knowledge of system and Serie A makes it a good fit
In terms of ticking the right boxes, Bakayoko does a lot of that as a signing for Milan. His previous experiences in Serie A make the process of adjusting and adapting a familiar one to him, and so he should be ready to contribute immediately.
His experience at the top level also helps in that regard, as does his knowledge of the system that Pioli prefers and the technical side of the Italian top flight as these are all challenges that can perhaps slow down new additions when they first arrive.
Bakayoko will also benefit from having a clear role when involved at Milan too, as he will no doubt occupy one of the two deeper-lying midfield positions, thus the onus will be on him to provide defensive protection in front of the backline while also making quick transitions into attack, either driving forward into the opposite half himself or getting the ball into our attacking players.
That’s why this is a sensible signing on paper, as Bakayoko fits the role well given his attributes and characteristics and it’s hoped that when called upon, he is ready to help us achieve our objectives this season.
Kessie and Bennacer will arguably be first choice when fit and available to Pioli, albeit Tonali is certainly making a strong case in the absence of the former to partner Bennacer as he looks set for a step up this season.
Nevertheless, with Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League to consider, Milan and Pioli will need to call on the quartet to collectively offer what is necessary in different scenarios and against different opposition as we look to compete across the board.
