AC Milan make final decision on Meite

AC Milan signed Soualiho Meite from Torino in January. The French midfielder arrived on loan with option to buy for 10 million.

Ismael Benancer’s injury at the end of last year highlighted AC Milan’s need to sign a new central midfielder. After considering a number of players, the management decided to bring in Soualiho Meite from Torino on loan with option to buy.

The reasons behind this surprising signings were two. In January it’s tough for every club to purchase top players. Big clubs tend to do their business in the summer mercato and avoid selling in January. The second reasons was that the Rossoneri needed a player that was familiar with the Italian league and ready to contribute immediately.

Since joining AC Milan, Soualiho Meite has made 15 appearances with ups and downs. At times he has been solid alongside Franck Kessie but the Rossoneri require much more presence, especially because Stefano Pioli’s plays with only two midfielders.

For his six-months loan, AC Milan have spent half a million and can make the transfer of Meite for 8.5 million (plus 1.5 million in add-ons). Unfortunately, AC Milan have decided not to use their option to buy him reports journalist Nicolo Schira.

Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara are already planning for the upcoming summer mercato. The management is scouting a number of players that can take Meite’s place in AC Milan’s midfield.

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