Maignan to Stay, Theo Hernandez Nears Exit as Allegri Shapes New Milan Era

Massimiliano Allegri, who returned to the Milan bench after over a decade, played a pivotal role in convincing Maignan to stay. Despite a difficult period in recent seasons, the goalkeeper remains a top performer and a strong leader, qualities Allegri values as he rebuilds the squad. The coach is confident he can reinvigorate Maignan’s spirit and make him the cornerstone of a new Milan era.

Massimiliano Allegri, who returned to the Milan bench after over a decade, played a pivotal role in convincing Maignan to stay. Despite a difficult period in recent seasons, the goalkeeper remains a top performer and a strong leader — qualities Allegri values as he rebuilds the squad. The coach is confident he can reinvigorate Maignan’s spirit and make him the cornerstone of a new Milan era.

However, the issue of Maignan’s contract lingers. He is tied to the club until June 2026, meaning that without a renewal, he would be eligible to leave on a free transfer at the end of next season. Negotiations over an extension have so far stalled, with a notable gap between the player’s wage demands and the club’s offer. Milan appear willing to take that risk, seeing more sense in facing a potential free exit than committing to a costly long-term deal as Maignan approaches 30.

Meanwhile, the situation with Theo Hernandez has taken a different turn. The left-back, who once thrilled fans with surging runs and decisive goals, is now considered outside Milan’s technical plans. His departure seems inevitable after a string of disappointing performances and disciplinary issues throughout the past season.

Hernandez has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement with Atlético Madrid, where he played in his youth. The Spanish club is ready to welcome him back, but must now meet Milan’s financial demands. While the Rossoneri rejected a €30m+5m bonus offer from Al Hilal earlier this year, the asking price for Atlético is lower, reportedly in the €25m+ range. Milan are willing to accommodate the sale, unlike with Maignan, viewing Theo’s departure as part of the natural squad evolution under Allegri.

Theo’s decline in form was evident: benched at the start of the season, punished for mistakes, clashed with staff, and suspended multiple times, most notably in the Champions League playoff against Feyenoord. Yet he leaves behind 262 appearances, 34 goals, and a Scudetto-winning campaign that once silenced his critics and earned him the captain’s armband on occasion. His contribution to Milan’s modern success is undeniable, even if the final chapter was far from ideal.

As Milan look ahead to the 2025-26 season, the Club World Cup, and a new era under Allegri, the futures of both Maignan and Hernandez symbolize contrasting paths: one recommitted, the other ready to move on. The Rossoneri rebuild is well underway.