AC Milan`s search for defensive reinforcements has encountered a significant hurdle. The club had identified English left-back Archie Brown, currently at Gent, as a prime target to bolster their squad. However, in a swift turn of events, it appears Brown is set to bypass Italy entirely and instead head to Istanbul, joining Fenerbahçe, the Turkish giants now managed by José Mourinho.
Reports indicate that while Milan was actively pursuing the young defender, Fenerbahçe entered the picture with a more compelling offer. Crucially, this included a more lucrative salary package for the player himself, seemingly swaying his decision overnight. For a club like Milan, often navigating the complexities of the transfer market with fiscal prudence, being outbid for a key target is a familiar, if unwelcome, scenario. One might even suggest it borders on a characteristic Milanese summer episode.
This development is particularly pertinent for Milan, who are in pressing need of a left-back following the departure of Theo Hernandez. Hernandez recently completed a move to Al Hilal, leaving a considerable void in Milan`s defensive lineup. Brown was reportedly earmarked as the player to help fill that gap, making his decision to join Fenerbahçe a direct setback.
Adding to the potential headache, sources suggest Milan also faces challenges in securing another reported target, Doué from Strasbourg. Should both players elude their grasp, the club could find itself remarkably short of options at left-back, with the new season looming. The prospect of heading into competitive fixtures, such as the upcoming Coppa Italia match scheduled for mid-August, without adequate cover in a critical defensive position is less than ideal, to put it mildly.
Archie Brown, born in 2002, is now expected to travel to Istanbul shortly to complete medical tests before finalising his move to Fenerbahçe. Meanwhile, Milan`s management will need to quickly reassess their options and identify alternative players to strengthen their defense before the transfer window closes and the competitive season truly kicks off.
