Mike Maignan’s decision to stay at AC Milan and sign through 2031 strengthens Milan’s defensive outlook; punters may favor Milan to concede fewer goals and back under 2.5 goals in Milan vs Juventus fixtures, while Juventus’ goalkeeping uncertainty could make over 2.5 goals or both teams to score markets more attractive in their matches.
Mike Maignan Rejects Juventus, Commits Long-Term to AC Milan
Mike Maignan has turned down approaches from Juventus and opted to extend his stay at AC Milan, signing a new contract that runs to 2031 (technically to 2030 with a club option for an extra year). The goalkeeper made his preference clear during late-season negotiations and ultimately prioritised continuity at San Siro over a move to Turin.
What Happened: Talks and Timeline
Transfer contact took place late last year, with Juventus sounding out the possibility of acquiring Maignan on a free transfer. The Serie A giants reportedly offered a higher salary than Milan was paying, but Maignan delayed any decision and ultimately accepted Milan’s renewal proposal. Earlier interest had also come from Bayern Munich in the autumn and from Chelsea over the summer, but those lines of inquiry did not develop into offers.
Juventus’ Goalkeeping Conundrum
Juventus now face a question between the sticks. Michele Di Gregorio has endured a difficult run and drawn criticism after a worrying defensive trend:
13 goals conceded this season from the first shot on target.
Backup Mattia Perin was close to a return to Genoa in January, but a deal fell through and he remained in Turin.
There are strong indications Perin could depart at the end of the season, leaving Juventus to decide whether to promote from within, pursue a new signing, or keep faith with Di Gregorio.
Squad and Strategic Implications
Maignan’s renewal keeps Milan’s goalkeeping situation stable and removes a potential upgrade option for Juventus. For Milan, continuity between the posts supports defensive planning and transfer strategy elsewhere in the squad. For Juventus, the failure to land Maignan increases pressure to address goalkeeping in the summer window.
Betting Implications and Market Moves
Maignan staying at Milan should be factored into short-term markets: Milan look more likely to maintain defensive resilience, making under 2.5 goals or Milan clean sheet options more appealing in matches they play.
Conversely, Juventus’ uncertainty in goal suggests their fixtures could be prone to more goals conceded, increasing value in over 2.5 goals, both teams to score, or backing opposing forwards.
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Punters should watch pre-match lineups and any late transfer developments before staking on goalkeeper-influenced markets.
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