Should they sell?

By: Moka | August 10th, 2008

So today, the English press renewed rumors that a Kaká-to-Chelsea move still remains a possibility. This time, Diego Kotscho, his personal assistant had this to say:

‘I spoke with Kaká yesterday. We know that the clubs are talking about the transfer, although they have not reached a conclusion yet. I think an August transfer is still a possibility, though Kaká will only talk about that when they do a deal. He is waiting for a deal and then he will start to negotiate with Chelsea. Normally, Milan do not sell their best players. We think they like the proposal, but it is not so easy for them to accept it. For now we must just wait and see.’

In a previous post, I talked about how, personally, I’m not convinced that Milan will sell, nor that Kaká will accept a move to the English capital. Today, I want to reiterate that stance, while discussing whether a move is a good one for all parties involved.

Milan’s pre-season started off with a bore draw against Cremonese. Fine, considering that it was the first match and Seedorf was the only first-team offensive player. Flamini, apparently, put on a good display, which was the only real positive aspect of the match.

Then came the TIM Cup, which consisted of 2, 45 minute games, both of which Milan won on penalties, which crowned them winners of the cup. Definitely good news, but such wins must not be overrated. Honorable mentions go to Seedorf and Abbiati. So far, not too bad.

2 days later, a 1-0 loss to Sevilla courtesy of an own goal by Gattuso. Fine. Did they really expect to score without Kaká, Dinho, Pato, Pippo, Borriello? Then, the true, defining moment of the pre-season; a 5-0 loss to Chelsea, where the weaknesses of an ever-so aging defense were clearly highlighted. Yes, it’s only a friendly, but that is no excuse for a 5-0 thrashing, which brings us to the main question of this post: should they sell Kaká and rebuild a tired, aging, life-less team?

Over at the Milan blog, Sam touched on this topic, voicing her opinion that the team needs an overhaul and can definitely make use of €100 million, while Gianfranco, has lost faith in the management’s decisions, and believes Kaká should only be sold if players like Di Silvestri, Giovinco, and Montolivo are brought.

There is no doubt that the back-line definitely needs an overhaul. While Juve has Chiellini, Roma can constantly depend on Mexes, but who does Milan have? Nesta? His injury problems make him unreliable. Kaladze? Very inconsistent. (the Chelsea game cleared any little doubt) Maldini? 45 minute player at 40 years of age. Bonera? Yes he’s good, but not like Nesta or Mexes or Chiellini. Simic, Digao? Are you kidding me?

The full-backs aren’t any better, with Jankulovski, Zambrotta at 31, and Oddo at 32, none of which are consistent enough to play for a team that wants to challenge for titles. Then there’s Antonini, who impressed me, but still, the team could definitely use a full-back or two. Favalli? LOL!

In the event that Milan sell, for €100m, who are realistic possibilities?

Ivanovic (reports about €2.3m for loan with option to buy for €9.6m at end of season), Zapata (not sure about price, but I would guess around €15m can do the job), Di Silvestri, Stendardo (no clue about prices), Santacroce (new Nesta), Thiago Silva (contract finishes end of 2008).

Any combination of at least 2 players above, can definitely be used, while getting rid of the likes of Favalli, Simic, Digao, among others.

But selling Kaká leaves a big hole up in front. So, Milan must move for a striker or another attacking midfielder, given Seedorf’s age, and the Dinho gamble. Will they really find a player near Kaká’s calibre?

Adebayor, Drogba are staying put, which leaves us with Berbatov, Eto’o, as possible strikers. Realistic attacking midfielders in the market? Diego? I can see him in Milan. Then there’s Arshavin.

If they do sell Kaká, they can probably afford two of the above players, but again, will they buy? And will those 2 players make up for Kaká’s absence?

If I was Milan, and had the power to choose players, yes, I would sell him and buy at least 4 players I mentioned above.

However, given the Milan administration, I believe Kaká staying at Milan is the better option for both Kaká and Milan. The former, due to the fact that Chelsea is more than a complete team, and the latter because, well, I simply do not trust Galliani, until he wakes up to the reality that the Milan squad is really, not that great and that being World Club Champions means nothing.