Stefano Pioli threw Rade Krunic’s career at Milan a lifeline in the summer, convincing the board to reject Fenerbahce’s approach. However, the Italian manager’s bid to revive the midfielder’s career at the San Siro has been short-lived, as per Calciomercato.
Even in the midst of a severe injury crisis at Milan, the Bosnia and Herzegovina international has struggled to land a place in the starting XI. Pioli used him as a second-half substitute against Borussia Dortmund to fill the void at the heart of his defense left by Malick Thiaw’s withdrawal.
Pioli’s gamble didn’t pay off as Milan finished on the receiving end of a 3-1 scoreline, almost certainly surrendering their hopes of making it out of the Champions League ‘group of death.’ Amid a defensive emergency, many expected Krunic to start alongside Fikayo Tomori in last night’s win against Frosinone.
But Pioli made a late U-turn, fielding Theo Hernandez as a makeshift center-back instead. Such a decision unequivocally showed that the Milan boss no longer has faith in Krunic, increasing the likelihood of the 30-year-old’s winter departure. With less than two years left to run on his contract at the San Siro, now’s the perfect time for Rossoneri to cash in on him.
Fenerbahce are still in the picture, waiting for the Italians’ signal to reopen discussions with the ex-Empoli man. Krunic’s wage demands have already made Milan walk away from extension talks. Deemed surplus to requirements, the underperforming midfielder might pack his bags when the transfer window reopens for business in January.
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