FORGET TRANSFERS, MILAN ALREADY HAVE THEIR FUTURE STRIKER

Milan have been linked with a number of strikers for next season, but Lorenzo Bettoni believes they should give Lorenzo Colombo a chance for 2023-24.

With Olivier Giroud in his late 30s, 41-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic and injury-prone Ante Rebic and Divock Origi, the Diavoli will be looking for a new centre-forward in the summer.

Noah Okafor, Lois Openda, Kolo Muani and Jonathan David are just some of the strikers linked with a move to San Siro in July when Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara will presumably still be dealing with budget restrictions.

This past summer, Charles De Ketelaere was Milan’s big summer signing. The Belgian starlet completed a €35m move to San Siro and the Rossoneri will be willing to invest a similar fee in a new centre-forward for next season.

The club’s philosophy won’t change despite the recent takeover from RedBird. Milan directors will be looking for a new young and promising striker, somebody who can raise his value at the club and offer a chance for a potential, profitable sale in the future.

So, why not look at who they already have at home, leaving their budget to strengthen the team in other departments? For instance, the product of the club academy Lorenzo Colombo is having an impressive debut season in Serie A with four goals and two assists in 14 appearances for Lecce.

The 20-year-old moved to the Stadio Via Del Mare on loan with an option to buy last summer and the Giallorossi seem willing to sign him permanently for €2.5m in July. However, Milan do have an option to re-sign the player for €3.5m and the Diavoli should definitely bring the striker back to Milanello, beginning his development path at the club.

Colombo may still not be ready for a starting role, but with Giroud likely to extend his expiring contract until 2024, the promising Italian striker could have a chance to learn from the Frenchman and perhaps be ready for the big stage in one year.

Colombo has already trained with another experienced striker at Milanello, a certain Ibrahimovic.

“It was an amazing and crucial experience,” he told Tuttosport in December.

“He is such a funny guy, but at the same time, he is able to keep the level of attention and quality in the dressing room high. I’ve learned how to take care of every detail, thanks to him.

“He made me understand that every day is decisive for the growth of players, on and off the pitch. I’ve had an amazing rapport with him. He also gave me a nickname, Hulk.”

Milan managed to win the first title in 11 years last season by making wise choices and picking the most suitable players in the market. Maldini and Massara didn’t only get the right players but were patient enough to wait for them when nobody else would. The likes of Rafael Leao and Sandro Tonali struggled in their first season at the club, but we all know what they represent for Milan now.

Why shouldn’t they do the same with Colombo? Why shouldn’t they invest time and resources in a player of their academy rather than spend €30-40m for a new, foreign striker who would still need time to settle in? Bringing back Colombo would also give Milan a chance to invest in other roles, such as the right wing, and add depth to the squad.

Their transfer strategies will also depend on the future of Rafael Leao, but even if they sell the Portuguese star, Colombo would still be a smart addition to the squad and somebody who can learn from Milan’s senior players, waiting for his chance to shine.