According to La Repubblica newspaper, Elliott and Paolo Maldini continue having different views on Milan‘s future and their tense relationship helped Newcastle sign Sven Botman.
Elliott sold the club to RedBird Capital Partners only a few weeks ago, but the closing won’t be until September and, until then, Elliott and Ivan Gazidis will remain in charge giving the green light to any potential signing and negotiation led by Maldini and Ricky Massara.
Trouble is, Maldini and Elliott have different views of the club’s development. Former club owners still want to invest in young and promising players, while Maldini believes that the Rossoneri need more firepower to compete with the top European clubs and remain among the top four in Serie A permanently.
The Botman deal offers an example of their different views. Maldini was ready to sign the centre-back for €30m, but Elliott didn’t want to invest as much in a central defender, and would rather strengthen the team in attack. The Netherlands international waited for Milan for several weeks but eventually accepted Newcastle’s offer.
Milan fans fear the same will happen with Renato Sanches, who has agreed personal terms with the Rossoneri. However, Elliott are unwilling to match PSG’s €30m offer, so the Portugal international could eventually move to Paris.
Repubblica newspaper describes Milanello as a ‘house divided’ where Maldini and Elliott have different views on the club’s future.
The contract of the legendary defender runs out at the end of the month, but ‘although several sources confirm Maldini will eventually commit his future to Milan, the signature is postponed day by day,’ read the report.
Gerry Cardinale bought the club less than a month ago, but is currently in the USA to raise funds to complete the takeover. According to the report, he’ll need circa €300-400m, otherwise, Elliott will lend the money, remaining at the helm for a few more years.