Luka Jovic was once again the difference maker for AC Milan as he came off the bench to net a late winner against Frosinone last night, and it is increasingly likely he will earn a renewal.
As Calciomercato.com recall, Jovic broke his duck for Milan on December 2nd at San Siro against Frosinone and then two months later he scored his seventh goal of the season against the same opponent.
Since his first goal, Jovic has since averaged a goal scored every 41 minutes played in the league (five goals in 205 minutes across seven appearances). Also counting the Coppa Italia, he has seven goals in 385 minutes and nine appearances with an average of a goal every 55 minutes.
After the game, the Serbia international admitted that his resurgence is a product of hard work: “I’m very happy, first for the victory and then for myself. I work hard every day.”
Stefano Pioli thanked him for his contribution too: “He was decisive. He isn’t getting a lot of playing time, but he uses it to help the team. I encourage him every day because I believe in his qualities.”
He arrived on free transfer from Fiorentina on the last day of the last summer transfer market, certainly not as first choice. Jovic has a salary of €1.3m net per year and his contract expires on June 30th.
However, Milan can exercise an option to extend the agreement for another three seasons. The former Benfica, Eintracht Frankfurt and Real Madrid man wants to stay and is trying to convince the Rossoneri managers to keep him with goals.
It is true that in the next summer transfer window Milan will sign a new centre-forward, but it is equally true that Olivier Giroud is turning 38 and may not renew, without forgetting that a new coach may arrive on the bench who plays with two strikers.
I thought he was here on loan? I must’ve missed that but yes we should keep him
No he is here on a 1 year contract, free transfer
It was a good gamble because he’d be hungry fighting for his career unlike Origi who was given 4.5m/yr contract for doing jack all his whole career
It seems I was wrong on his mentality/personality.
I was worried he’d become a cancer in the locker room. There were many teams that didn’t want him even after he succeeded that there was something wrong with him.
I love this and hope he can continue it!
I don’t think he can be as effective as a starter in the current setup. He’s a two-striker player and when he comes in, Oli is usually in the box as well pulling defenders, so Jovic has room to play.
That’s why when he starts as a solo 9 he struggles. He may have to resort to being a supersub unless the system changes. Or just to elevate his stock for a transfer.
Exactly. Starting #9? No TY. Sub? yes for that money.