Milan's Next Guardian: Suzuki and Atobolo in Frame as Maignan's Future Unfolds

Milan's Search for a New Guardian as Maignan's Future Hangs in the Balance

Milan moved quickly to secure a potential successor to their French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, as contract talks stalled and a departure could occur at the end of the 2025-26 season if no renewal is reached.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan has two primary options to replace Maignan should he leave before next summer: Zion Suzuki, Parma's goalkeeper and Japan's national team, and Noah Atobolo, Freiburg's shot-stopper.

Suzuki, who joined Parma last summer from an Italian club for around 8 million euros, has seen his market value double since the move, while Atobolo is valued at roughly 18 million euros, a bit higher than the Japanese keeper's price tag.

There is also talk that Elia Caprile, the keeper at Cagliari, is an additional option drawing the Rossoneri’s attention, but his market value is expected to exceed that of both Suzuki and Atobolo.

This approach from Milan comes amid the uncertainty surrounding Maignan's future, who is entering the final year of his contract and has yet to seal a renewal.

Over the past 12 months, negotiations have stalled for a number of reasons, notably Maignan's demands for a salary increase, while Milan has hesitated to make a large financial offer to a goalkeeper who will be 31 at the start of next season.

Club officials fear the risk of extending with Maignan given inconsistent performances in recent months and his recurring injuries, which has pushed them to seriously consider departure as a contingency plan.

Several major European clubs, including Juventus, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, are watching Maignan closely and prepared to negotiate should he become a free agent in the summer of 2026.

A remarkable career... and a farewell soon

Maignan remains one of the standout French goalkeepers of the last decade, blending physical power with sharp reflexes and calm under pressure.

Born on July 4, 1995, in Cayenne, he began his football journey at the Paris Saint-Germain academy, showing promise but seeking more first-team opportunities, which led him to Lille in the summer of 2015 in search of regular playing time and a name in European football.

In Lille, the real breakthrough came as he progressed from backup to starter, becoming a cornerstone of the squad. The 2020-2021 season was his peak, playing a pivotal role in Lille’s Ligue 1 title win for the first time in more than a decade, thanks to his decisive saves and leadership in the goal area.

He earned the Best Goalkeeper award in that season and attracted attention from Europe’s elite clubs.

Maïgnan arrived at Milan in the summer of 2021 to replace Gianluigi Donnarumma, and from day one at San Siro he proved to be the ideal successor, helping the Rossoneri return to glory after a long absence.

In his first season, he helped Milan clinch the Italian league title in 2021-2022, delivering consistently high performances and establishing himself as one of the top shot-stoppers in Serie A.

Maïgnan’s ability to read the game, his quick reactions to shots, and his comfort with the ball at his feet have been hallmarks of his Milan career.

During his time with Milan, the Frenchman produced several standout showings that drew European interest, even as injuries interrupted spells and renewal talks were complicated by his financial demands and advancing age, which pushed the club to consider alternative plans should negotiations fail.

He also played a vital role with the French national team, receiving multiple call-ups and featuring in European Championship qualifiers and World Cup campaigns, cementing his status among Europe’s elite.

Injuries

Despite his high level, Maignan faced challenges in recent months with Milan, with injuries and instability in form marking the period. Renewal talks were further complicated by his salary expectations and the fact that he will soon turn 30, prompting the club to explore other options as a precaution.

There is no denying that Maignan has etched his name among the best goalkeepers in European football over the latter half of the previous decade, combining elite shot-stopping with leadership and a strong presence both on and off the field.

Punchline time: If Milan’s goalkeeping saga had a bullseye, they’re aiming at it with a sniper’s precision—let’s hope someone hits the target and the headlines stay calm. Another line: With so many candidates, the bench is basically a full-on firing range—save after save, and may the jokes stay off the scoreboard too.