AC Milan are reflecting on the immediate future of Lorenzo Colombo as his loan spell at Monza continues to pose more questions than answers, according to a report.
Things started well for Colombo at Monza, but just after the midway point of the season he has only three goals and a singular assist having lost his starting spot to Dany Mota for the time being.
With Daniel Maldini joining Raffaele Palladino’s side, there could be a chance for the Rossoneri duo to link-up and thrive together, yet the reports that are circulating suggest they will not actually be together that long.
According to Calciomercato.com, Colombo’s situation is causing concern at Milan. As mentioned, Palladino no longer considers him a starter and that means he is reduced to appearances off the bench, which at 21 years of age is not ideal.
The Rossoneri loaned him to the Brianza right at the end of the summer window to get more consistent playing time, but if this situation were to continue then the hypothesis of terminating the loan would become concrete.
This is something that is fuelled by the fact a number of clubs are knocking on the door to try and sign the Italy U21 international. Genoa, Cagliari and Torino are in the window, clubs that would welcome Colombo until the end of the season.
From his point of view, Colombo made it clear in a recent interview that his ‘dream’ is to return to Milan eventually and stay there, becoming a regular part of the first team rotations.
And some people thought Colombo was good enough to back up Giroud and Milan made a huge mistake by loaning him out.
Said it before. Best case scenario for Colombo is what inter did with Pinamonti. Send him on a few loans and maybe you’ll fool some team into giving you 10-15 mil for him. Inter got 20 mil from sassuolo for Pinamonti.
Or use him as a counterpart in a transfer, maybe for Boungiorno.
His dream might be to come back, but as a 3rd choice striker who barely plays, and to be used for quota purposes.
IMO he isn’t even as good as Cutrone. At least Cutrone brought energy and a fighting spirit which can change outcome of games.
To me, he is another Petagna. He has the odd spectacular goal but has not shown anything to warrant being considered a starting striker in a top club.
Obviously he shouldn’t be a starter but he certainly could be a third choice for us in the event Giroud leaves us and we bring in a starter then Jovic and Colombo competing for a spot in between them. Over the years we have had players like Simone, Massaro also frequently on the fringes but still contributing so i don’t see no reason why Colombo couldn’t be part of the squad but the question is more if he will accept a smaller role with us. If he does well and grows with us then good and if not then we can always sell him later on and he could also be a temporary solution before or if Camarda ends up as a permanent part of the first team.
Personally, given the observed limitations of his ability I would rather sell him off for a profit now while his value is relatively high than have him as a third choice. That role is best reserved for older players who don’t mind playing sparingly. Younger players need game time to continue developing. That said, I would not be opposed to the scenario you envisioned. To me, it is becoming clearer that he will not lead the line for the Milan first team in the future.
In his current state of development, he won’t break into the first team. So might as well keep loaning him out to become more decisive. There’s too much pressure at Milan to deliver and win, so youngsters find it harder to break in, unless they are forced to due to injuries…
I would love for the next coach (not named Conte) to give the youngsters more opportunities.
If Columbo wasn’t Italian – many on this forum would not complain if we sold him. Let’s face it if he win a starting spot or at least split time for one at a club like Monza he cannot at Milan. He’s another Cutrone. Overhyped Italian striker fans are praying would be the Italian savior for Italian football. He’s simply not that. He’s at best a 3rd choice player – and that is ok. Nothing wrong w that. Not bashing the kid he is what he is. Unrealistic expectations kill careers. We have seen it over and over again. Let the kid develop in peace – and if we can sell him for 10-15M as some were suggesting (although I think that’s an extremely generously valuation) then do it asap. Let’s just hope we don’t do the same w Camarda. I can already see it with this poor kid. Unrealistic expectations impossible to live up to.
I was hopeful about Colombo in the beginning, but honestly, he doesn’t seem to be improving at this point.
Maybe like many suggested, the best option is to keep loaning him then eventually sell him.