Alexis Saelemaekers might have secured a lifeline at Milan after impressing new manager Paulo Fonseca in the early pre-season. Following a goal-glutted 3-2 friendly win against Manchester City in the United States, the Portuguese coach waxed lyrical about the versatile forward.
“He is a player who I really like for his quality,” the new Milan boss said, as quoted by Antonio Vitiello. “He is one of those all coaches want to have because he can play in many positions. I’d like him to stay.”
Saelemaekers was supposed to be a sacrificial lamb after returning to Milan from a decent season-long loan at Bologna. Out of favor under former coach Stefano Pioli, the 25-year-old left the Stadio San Siro last summer for regular first-team football at Renato Dall’Ara.
The move was a resounding success. Yet, after Thiago Motta took charge of Juventus, Bologna refused to trigger a buyout clause in Saelemaekers’ deal, resulting in the Belgian’s return to Milan. The Rossoneri had initially hoped to cash in on the ex-Anderlecht starlet, but the situation has changed.
Fonseca is ready to give Saelemaekers the benefit of the doubt after seeing numerous encouraging signs from the winger in pre-season. He was superb against Man City. In addition to showcasing his dribbling skills and pace down the wing, he set up Marco Nasti for the late winner with a scintillating cut-back from the edge of the area.
Napoli manager Antonio Conte has placed a watchful eye on Saelemaekers. But he’ll seemingly have to look elsewhere after Milan decided to give their resurgent star another chance.
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