What Bonucci Means For Milan

Bonucci is now a Milan player. What does his transfer mean for Milan? Image: EPA

Leonardo Bonucci is officially a Milan player. The former Juve defender shocked the sporting world after completing a €42 million move to the Rossoneri. Here’s what the Italian means for Milan.

Leader in Defense

Defensive problems had always been an issue for Milan, but the new Chinese owners have seemed determined to build from the back line. Now the only problem is who will play in defense. Will Montella opt for a 3 at the back formation with Conti and Ricardo Rodriguez as wing-backs or will he keep his traditional formation, keeping Musacchio as a bench player. We won’t know for sure, but the International Champions Cup should give us a good idea of Montella’s thoughts.

Bonucci is regarded as one of the best defenders, if not the best, in the world. He was the centerpiece of Juve’s BBC defense, and he should be able to do the same at Milan. With his defensive abilities and his talent at distributing from the back line, Milan should have one of the best defenses in the world next year. Rumors have been spread saying that Bonucci will be offered the captain’s armband, and he would be a perfect fit to lead the Rossoneri into battle. His experience and leadership could also prove valuable to Milan’s younger defenders like Romagnoli, helping them sprout into great defenders themselves. Bonucci will prove invaluable to Milan next year; now it’s just a waiting game.

Money? No Problems

The concerns about Yonghong Li’s financial stability have to be gone now. While we may not be entirely sure where the money is coming from, it does exist, and it’s been proven through Milan’s splurges this transfer market. They’ve already bought nine players for close to a total of €200 million euros. This is not including the massive salaries they have paid, making Donnarumma one of the highest paid keepers in the world with €6 million/year and doing the same with Bonucci.

In order to get past FIFA Fair Play regulations, Mirabelli and Fassone have crafted some intelligent deals. Kessie will be paid for following his initial loan, Bonucci will be paid over three years, and there may be more elusiveness we don’t know about. The spending spree is real, and it’s definitely a refreshing and exciting sight to see following Berlusconi’s penny-pinching era.

They’re Back

Besides Bonucci’s obvious talent, this move proves one more thing. Milan is back. Out of all the places Leo could have gone, he chose Milan, a club that barely qualified for the Europa League last year. While problems with Allegri may have forced Bonucci out, it’s still impressive that Milan were able to acquire his signature. Milan may not be in the best of positions, but Fassone and Mirabelli have been able to create a project that is capable of attracting even the best players.

Just a couple of weeks ago, it seemed as though Juventus may have gotten Donnarumma for free. Now Donnarumma renewed his contract and Milan have taken away arguably their best player. If that doesn’t make a statement, then I don’t know what does. Milan have built a whole new team and an aura of excitement. Whatever happens in the season is what matters, but for now, it looks as though the Rossoneri are back and they want to stay.

Bonucci’s transfer is the biggest one of the year in the Serie A, and it speaks volumes about what Milan have been able to accomplish in a month and a half. They have all the players they need for a deep run in the Europa League, and they could even be considered contenders for the scudetto, something that seemed altogether impossible just two months ago. There’s plenty to be excited about as a Milan fan, and Bonucci is just an extra bonus.