Whilst some Serie A clubs worked hard to strengthen their squads this month, others like Milan fell flat in the January transfer window.
The Rossoneri, owned by America investment firm Elliott Management, made only one signing this month, 18-year-old Marko Lazetic from Red Star Belgrade. Whilst it’s company policy that the financial accounts must be closely managed, Milan do sit second in the Serie A table and their inaction in the market may prove costly in the title race with Inter this season.
The failure to sign a defender in particular, considering the serious injury to Simon Kjaer, and the ultimately fruitless focus on Lille’s Sven Botman have left many questioning the Rossoneri’s plan for this month’s transfer window.
Joining Milan in disappointment is Lazio; the Biancocelesti’s January market was heavily impacted by cash flow issues, the now infamous liquidity index, and so they only made one proper signing, picking up Jovane Cabral from Sporting in the final minutes of the window. Whilst the Cape Verdean winger is a strong player, Maurizio Sarri will not be happy with the limited reinforcements available to him.
Finally, there’s Napoli. Luciano Spalletti’s squad is fairly complete, but a new left back to provide an alternative to Mario Rui would have been an important acquisition. The arrival of Axel Tuanzebe also leaves a little to be desired, especially considering that he was brought in to be the replacement for Kostas Manolas.
Milan and Lazio were pretty bad, which was no surprise.
The stench of desperation at Genoa was typical as well.
I’m not defending Milan/Napoli/Lazio by any chance. However winter transfer windows are usually quiet. Juve’s big splash is more of an exception than norm, driven by multiple poor transfer windows in the past.
Despite Dusan leaving Fiorentina, I think overall they had a successful transfer window. Adding Ikone may prove to be a very big signing in the long term and Cabral could be the diamond in the rough they are looking for, Fiorentina may have a serious and young attack moving forward.
@badger_bianconeri
Very good point about Juve.
I’m not too disappointed in Milan’s lack of business. A good summer window is far more important at this point. Realistic Milan fans will know this is how it’s going to be for most windows with the current owners.
Why’s Lazio in the disappointments? They barely sign any players during summer, so signing two (they got Miranchuk too) in winter is a pleasant surprise.
Napoli once again in a strong position to fight for the Scudetto fail to sign anyone of note in the Jan window.
They have a decent squad in place when all fit and now with only the league to concentrate with and 2 games vs Barca coming up this will test them.
February is pivotal of where Napoli will finish seasons end
Avanti Ragazzi, Avanti Napule
if Milan is in/tied 2nd within reach of Inter in 1st why would they shake things up ?
they just need to regain their form and not have any injuries or players out injured comeback strong.
Kessie is the exception. get rid / and replace with a good box to box midfielder.
Milan did have gaps to fill in the squad, but failed to fill it again like last summer. I’m talking about another attacking midfielder, and yes it might prove costly at the end of the season the way Diaz is struggling. The owners and management will have to pray to all the old gods and the new that players will fight tooth and nail so they finish in the top 4, and we fans ought to do the same. Considering our injury record, missing out is a real possibility.
Forget Scudetto cause it ain’t happening.
@The Master
Don’t think Lazio got Miranchuk.
@Milan Fan you write “Forget Scudetto cause it ain’t happening.” who in their right minbd thought of Scudetto glory to begin with?
From a financial perspective, there is not much of a difference between ending 1st or 4th. Hence, Elliot is perfectly happy as long as ACM qualify for CL. Don’t expect Elliot to splash the cash now or later.
Marko Lazetic was a figen leave, a “the next Zlatan, or the next Vlahovic. The purchase is meant as a pacifier.
@Kris
I think every Milan fan did at some point. When the team is at the top and competing for two years, (of which for half a season Milan were in first place) of course you naturally think about it. Who doesn’t?
But the gaps need to be filled or the better equipped team will ultimately overtake you. Last year the January reinforcements didn’t work (except Tomori) which is the reason they scrapped signing similar stop gaps this January, unless they could buy a Botman or a Sanches, basically another Tomori level player.