Speculation continues to link Jens Petter Hauge with an exit from AC Milan this summer, but it would arguably be the wrong move from the club to green light a departure.
The 21-year-old arrived from Bodo/Glimt in October last year having impressed for the Norwegian outfit, while his quality was on show when we played them in the Europa League too.
READ MORE: Why Milan shouldn’t be considering a Romagnoli exit this summer
It appeared to be a smart signing of a young player with plenty of talent and potential, and Hauge made a quick impression for the Rossoneri with a positive start at the club.
He finished last season with five goals and one assist in 23 appearances, totalling just 871 minutes of playing time.
Given his limited role which led to difficult in trying to find his rhythm with a consistent run in the side, it would have been difficult for any player, let alone a youngster desperate to impress and trying to settle in a new environment, both in terms of country and club.
As noted by MilanNews, there is ongoing speculation over a move away from Milan this summer, but the question is, would it be the wrong decision that the club ultimately come to regret further down the line?
Hauge should stay, others to leave
The report suggests that Hauge could be used as a bargaining tool to sign a target such as Rodrigo De Paul this summer, and so if that were the case, it could be argued that there is sense in Milan’s strategy to improve the squad.
De Paul is more established, has proven his quality in Serie A consistently and would ultimately make us a better side. Hauge could go on to do the same, but currently the Argentine would be an excellent addition.
However, when you consider that Samu Castillejo managed just three goals and four assists in 43 appearances last season, Rafael Leao had seven and six in 40 outings and Alexis Saelemaekers contributed three goals and seven assists in 40 games, Hauge’s impact was more decisive than others vying for the same places in the side.
Saelemaekers is still important with his work ethic and defensive efforts as they are key to Stefano Pioli and the way in which he wants Milan to play. However, for Castillejo and Leao, they simply didn’t do enough in the significant playing time that they had to warrant a starting berth.
With that in mind, it would arguably be sensible from Milan to consider exits for that pair and keep Hauge if possible, and give the young Norwegian ace a chance to establish himself in the side in his preferred position.
Among Milan’s priorities this summer transfer window is to surely to sign a right winger to offer more quality on that flank going forward. If axing Leao and Castillejo can help finance a move for a preferred target, using Hauge as an alternative to Ante Rebic on the left flank could be the way to go.
There’s no doubt that Hauge has a lot of improvement to make and needs to mature and develop into a top player still. However, he’s shown enough to suggest he’s a real talent who can make an impact for us, and it’s hoped that he gets the opportunity to fulfil his potential with us rather than having to watch him get the opportunity to do so elsewhere.
