Milan attempt to hijack Motta-Juventus ‘handshake’ – talks re-established

AC Milan are trying to wrestle back pole position in the race to hire Thiago Motta, a report claims, even though he has given his word to Juventus.

According to what is being reported by Corriere della Sera (via PianetaMilan), Milan are trying to overtake Juventus and hire Motta as the replacement for Stefano Pioli at the end of the season, having been linked with him in recent months.

Milan are looking at alternative candidates having taken note of the strong disapproval when the news emerged that Julen Lopetegui was set to be hired. Francesco Farioli and Roberto De Zerbi are on the list, but the management are trying to get in on the negotiations between Motta and Juve.

The club have re-established contacts with the Italian-Brazilian’s entourage, which were already opened in recent months, even if he has promised himself to Juventus and to Cristiano Giuntoli.

The verbal handshake, however, was not followed by a pre-agreement and Juve are struggling with Massimiliano Allegri. In the event of his dismissal he would demand full payment of the emoluments for him and his staff, which means it would cost them around €12m to sack him.

This is not a trivial sum for Juventus, who already have to pay €9.7m to Cristiano Ronaldo as back pay from the Covid-19 era. So, while the Old Lady are doing the maths, Milan are trying to make up for lost time.