Mike Maignan - The champion that AC Milan needs
About one year ago - May 27, 2021 - AC Milan agreed to terms with Mike Maignan from Lille. It was a necessary signing, because just only one day before, director Paolo Maldini confirmed that Gianluigi Donnaruma will leave Milan when his contract expires in June. Rumors hinting towards an exit move from Donnarumma have been going on all season, after numerous failed negotiations to extend his contract. Donnarumma, who became the starting goalkeeper for Milan at 16, decided not to extend the contract with his first professional club due to wages demand, which caused angers from Milan fans throughout the season. Donnaruma kept 88 clean sheets in 251 appearances, helped Milan to a second-place finish in Serie A in his last season, and secured a Champions League spot for the first time since 2014. Voted as the Italian Serie A best goalkeeper for the 2020-21 season, Donnarumma then went on to win Player of the Tournament when Italy lifted the UEFA Euro trophy in the summer - first time a goalkeeper has ever won the award. Only 22-years-old, yet already at the top of his game, Donnarumma signed with Paris Saint-Germain, as one of the most anticipated transfers before the 2021-22 season.
As Donnarumma’s replacement for the new starting goalkeeper position at AC Milan, it was difficult for Maignan to avoid comparisons to the young and talented Italian. But Maignan’s accomplishment was not something to be underestimated, even before this season. Voted as the French Ligue 1 best goalkeeper following his breakout season in 2018-19, Maignan became Lille’s key player for the following seasons. He played a major role in Lille’s magical Ligue 1 championship run in 2021-22. It was a tight title-race that had to be settled on the last day of the season between Lille and PSG, which coincidentally, was the team Maignan used to play for in youth level (and Donnarumma’s soon-to-be team, of course). One year ago, Maignan was the champion of France. This season, he is Serie A's best goalkeeper, and the champion of Italy. Two years, two consecutive league championships - Mike Maignan is the real deal.
Maignan immediately showed presence within the Milan squad upon arrival. Seventeen clean sheets in total this season, despite injuries that ruled him out for six weeks. Consistently performed throughout the season, with crucial saves as the title race was closing in - notably in the 2-1 derby against Inter in February, and the 1-0 win against Empoli at San Siro in March. But the fans were most impressed by his ability on the ball - to be able to distribute the ball well with his feet, and dictate Milan’s build-up play. As Maignan stated himself, manager Stefano Pioli sees him almost as a “Libeiro”. In February, Maignan’s long-ball assist to Rafael Leao for the important 1-0 victory against Sassuolo was the first assist made by a Milan’s goalkeeper since 2006 by the legendary Dida; who is now Milan’s goalkeeping coach.
Milan’s first Scudetto in 11 years was the result of long-term, patient management and player development. Entrusting club legends like Maldini and Dida into positions that they excel at. Building around a young, talented core in Hernandez, Leao, Bennacer, Kessie, Calabria, Saelemaekers, etc. with recent additions of Tonali, Brahim, Kalulu, Tomori - Milan have prepared a brand new generation of Rossoneri. Ibrahimovic, Giroud, Kjaer, Florenzi brought their fair shares of experience to the squad. Giving up on Donnarumma and signing Maignan was Milan’s decision, to do what the board of directors believed in - no player should be greater than the club. Maignan was brought in not only for his tactical presence and leadership, but also for his mentality of a champion. Both Lille and Milan weren’t favorites to win their league, yet they came through, deservedly, with Mike Maignan as the backbone.
Milan is making moves this summer, eyeing targets to further improve the squad, with Sven Botman at the top of the list, who’s also from Lille. For Mike Maignan, it’s going to be Champions League football next season, and potentially, the World Cup in Qatar.