Sampdoria director praises Milan’s contract policy: “They were precursors” | OneFootball

Last summer, many were surprised when AC Milan decided to let go of both Hakan Calhanoglu and Gigio Donnarumma on free transfers. This year, however, it’s a lot more common as highlighted by Sampdoria’s sporting director.

Milan made their economic stance very clear in the talks with Calhanoglu and Donnarumma, not budging from their final offers. They managed to replace them both as well for more financially sustainable figures, which is impressive.

Speaking to Sky Italia, as cited by Radio Rossonera, Sampdoria’s sporting director Daniele Faggiano praised Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara for standing firm. He stated that they have changed the way these negotiations work.

“After the non-renewals of the expiring players, I called Maldini and Massara to congratulate them. Before we were dominated by everyone, but now it’s been made clear that players can leave for free. In Italy, Europe and around the world there are many examples.

“They [Milan] were precursors, from Donnarumma to Calhanoglu passing through Kessie and Romagnoli. They gave new life to football. With this example, we as sporting directors will surely gain more strength. It’s a good sign that football is changing,” he stated.

Indeed, Milan got the last laugh when they secured the Scudetto this past season and managed to lower their costs on top of that. The project will continue and they have no intention of changing their strategy now.