AC Milan will see Tommaso Pobega return from his loan spell at Spezia this summer, and it could be the right stage of his development to stay with us.
The 21-year-old has long been considered a top prospect having come through the youth ranks with the Rossoneri and been sent out on loan to gain experience in recent years.
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His latest move came at Spezia as he helped them preserve their Serie A status this past season, and it would have been an invaluable learning phase of his development to be able to play regularly in the top flight in Italy.
Further, he also contributed six goals and three assists in 20 league appearances, and so he’s made his argument in favour of earning a place in the Milan squad moving forward.
So, should the Rossoneri keep him next season or consider another exit, either temporary or permanent?
Pobega serves apprenticeship, time for Milan
To get the more cynical rationale out the way first, Milan will need to satisfy UEFA quotas when it comes to homegrown players in our Champions League squad next season and Pobega will help us to tick that particular box.
However, the decision-making process will involve more important factors than that, namely whether or not the talented midfield ace is capable of making a positive contribution to the senior Milan side.
Ismael Bennacer and Franck Kessie will undoubtedly continue to be first-choice options in the deeper-lying midfield roles in Stefano Pioli’s preferred system and formation when fit and available, while Sandro Tonali is expected to stay and will compete with them for a starting berth.
Soualiho Meite is set to return to Torino when his loan deal expires this month, and so there will likely be a void that must be filled as well as trying to improve the squad with more quality depth.
Instead of spending on another two midfielders, there is arguably real sense behind Milan bringing Pobega into the fold next season and complementing his return with a new signing with more experience, which in turn should give us sufficient cover in midfield to compete on multiple fronts.
With our fixture schedule likely to be hectic next season with both domestic and European commitments to consider, Pioli will arguably need four to five options in midfield to ensure we’re not left short-handed.
From Pobega’s perspective, he’ll have enough opportunities to gain playing time at least in Serie A and the Coppa Italia, and in turn improve and develop his game while learning from those more senior players around him in the squad to really embed himself within the squad for the long-term future.
A permanent exit should not be considered at all given the talent and potential that he possesses, while another loan spell could ultimately see him fall into the trap of being a serial loanee who eventually is forced to move on.
It’s time for Milan to bring Pobega into the mix and to give him a chance to prove his worth. He has served his apprenticeship, now it’s time for the real deal.