AC Milan Transfer for Corinthians’ André Faces Collapse Amidst Coach’s Resignation Threat
A potential transfer of Brazilian midfielder André from Corinthians to AC Milan is on the verge of collapse following a backlash from fans and a threat of resignation from Corinthians coach Dorival Júnior. The deal, initially valued at €17 million (approximately $18.5 million), has hit a roadblock as Corinthians president Osmar Stabile reconsiders the sale amid upcoming club elections.
Fan Backlash and Dorival Júnior’s Stance
The proposed sale of André has sparked significant opposition from Corinthians supporters, who fear losing a key player during the Brasileirão season. Dorival Júnior has publicly expressed his disapproval, stating that a mid-season departure would disrupt the team’s progress. According to TMW, Júnior has indicated he would resign if André were to be sold at this time. He questioned whether the club prioritizes financial gains over sporting success, stating, “We have to see what type of return we want. Whether technical and results-oriented or financial. If it’s financial, I’m not part of that type of process.”
Financial Disagreement and Valuation
AC Milan and Corinthians had reportedly agreed to a fee of €15 million plus €2 million in bonuses, but Corinthians now considers this offer too low. Corinthians’ football executive Marcelo Paz has outlined a €24 million valuation for the player, with the club entitled to €17 million (owning 70% of the player’s rights) and André receiving the remaining €7 million (representing his 30% share). Paz acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, stating that André’s value could fluctuate over time.
Potential Legal Action by AC Milan
AC Milan, believing they had already reached an agreement for André’s transfer, is reportedly considering legal action against Corinthians. The Italian club feels the sudden reversal is a breach of the understood terms.
Impact of Club Elections
The timing of the potential sale is further complicated by the upcoming Corinthians presidential elections, scheduled for next year. President Osmar Stabile is weighing the financial benefits of the transfer against the potential political ramifications of upsetting fans and losing a valuable player before the elections.
André’s Future and Squad Planning
Dorival Júnior has emphasized the importance of retaining André for the team’s development and success. He also highlighted the challenge of finding a suitable replacement within the limited timeframe of three days should the sale proceed. The situation underscores the complexities of player transfers and the delicate balance between financial considerations and sporting objectives.