Theo Hernandez Set to Sign for AC Milan on 1 Year Loan with Obligation to Buy for €20 Million

Theo Hernandez is set to sign for Italian Serie A giants, AC Milan, on a 1 year loan deal with an obligation to purchase the player for €20 million according to both Marca and Italian outlet, Gazzetta dello Sport. The left back was one of the most sought after young talents after his sensational 2016-2017 with Alaves. Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and of course Real Madrid were just a few of the big name teams interested. Ultimately, Madrid would trigger Theo’s release clause at Atletico Madrid — breaking the unwritten pact — and sign Theo for €24 million. He was incorporated into the first team as Marcelo’s back-up for the 2017-2018 season. Theo was unable to impose himself in the games he featured for Madrid and his confidence quickly deteriorated. A loan to Real Sociedad was decided by the player because, in his own words: “I want to be the Theo of old again”, but ultimately it would be another underwhelming year.

At 21-year-old, there is still plenty of promise and that is what AC Milan will be gambling on. AC Milan and Italian legend, Paolo Maldini, was spotted having lunch with Theo after a positive meeting with Real Madrid executives. Theo does have all the tools from a physical and even technical stand point to be a top level fullback, but mentally is where he has struggled. Lack of in-game focus, the inability to learn from mistakes, the lack of urgency in his play, and off the field antics have been blotches on his record.

At €20 million, Real Madrid nearly recoup their investment and have amble cover in the left back position with Marcelo, Mendy, Reguilon, and hybrid fullback, Achraf, all on their books. After the departure of Marcos Llorente, the club are focused on selling players who are surplus to requirements to help offset some of the heavy spending from this summer’s investments.