CM: Moncada’s words show Milan’s stance on Theo’s renewal – what happens now | OneFootball

Geoffrey Moncada’s words about Theo Hernandez prior to the defeat against Atalanta have further fuelled the mystery surrounding his future.

As Calciomercato.com write, the 1-0 loss against Atalanta at San Siro on Sunday night effectively ends Milan’s hopes of getting a European spot in the league, meaning that winning the Coppa Italia is the only remaining path.

The objective is still achievable even if Inter, the opponent in the second leg of the semi-final scheduled for Wednesday 23 April, start as a clear favourite to advance to the next round. The players on the pitch did little to steal the limelight from Moncada, who spoke before the game.

Moncada’s opening

“I really like Theo. I know he can play games like in Udine tonight too. We’re talking, we’re working. We’re not that far away. I hope this module will make him even stronger,” he said to DAZN. It seemed to be an opening regarding the potential of a stay for the Frenchman.

After months of many rumours about a farewell for Theo, one of Giorgio Furlani’s trusted men declared that things are far from decided. The signal that the Rossoneri sent is clear: renewing the left-back’s contract is a priority for the management. Or at least, it becomes so again.

Between the lines you can sense that something hasn’t gone right in this negotiation, one that has been dragging on for several months. In January, Milan had decided to stop the talks with agent Manuel Quilon when things were very close to a verbal agreement.

What happens now

The directors were probably tempted by the offers that arrived, such as the big bid from Como. Having established the real and honest desire of the boy to stay at Milan, a new operational phase can be opened that has the ultimate goal of reaching a definitive agreement.

Even recently Theo Hernandez has sent indirect signals to Milan that are significant. The former Real Madrid man has made it clear that he wants to stay with the Rossoneri for next season with or without a renewal.

Only a truly top proposal from a top-tier club (Real Madrid and a few others) could make him change his mind. Having made note of the player’s wishes, Moncada has reactivated contacts because the club cannot afford to lose the player for free in the summer of 2026.

Theo currently earns around €5m net per season, but the new proposal will not reach the €7m requested. Internally, the club are studying the offer that it deems fair considering the many points of this negotiation: 2026 deadline, fluctuating performances and market value.

That ‘we are not that far away’ line from Moncada certainly gives more confidence to the many Rossoneri fans who hope to see the Frenchman at San Siro for many more years.