The 2024/25 season has not even begun yet but the campaign may already be over for a rather luckless veteran.
For the third time in his career, much-travelled full-back Alessandro Florenzi is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after rupturing his cruciate ligament.
Now at AC Milan, the former Roma, Paris Saint-Germain and Valencia flyer suffered a serious knee issue during the Rossoneri’s 1-0 pre-season victory over Real Madrid over in the USA.
It is not just Manchester United – mourning the loss of Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund – who may be wishing they had never boarded that flight across the Atlantic.
And while Florenzi has bounced back before from similar heartbreak, whether he can do the same – at the age of 33 – remains to be seen. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the vastly-experienced Italy international is unlikely to return to the pitch until at least 2024.
There is a very real chance that he won’t be seen at all until the campaign after next.
Emerson Royal to leave Tottenham Hotspur for AC Milan
In the transfer window, deals are often reliant upon the falling of dominoes.
And with AC Milan already having held talks to bring Emerson Royal to the San Siro from Tottenham Hotspur, news of Florenzi’s potentially season-ending injury is likely to see their pursuit of the Brazilian stepped up in the final month of the market.
Milan News report on Friday that an agreement between the two sides is edging ‘ever closer’. The seven-time European champions could pay around £15 million.
Spurs, meanwhile, are unlikely to stand in Emerson’s way. While a useful utility man – he became something of a cult hero amongst some more forgiving sections of the fanbase – the former Barcelona man is very much Ange Postecoglou’s second-choice behind the buccaneering Pedro Porro.
“Obviously, to know that Milan is in conversation with the club – they are looking for information on me – it is very gratifying,” Emerson told Andre Hernan back in June. “Because Milan is a team known for having Brazilian players.
“We know there have been some great Brazilians to have played for them. Let’s wait and see what’s going to happen.”
Emerson moved to the Premier League in a £26 million deal back in 2021.
It quickly became apparent, however, that the La Liga import lacked the technical ability to really thrive in a possession-based side.
He lost his place to the more naturally-gifted Porro when he arrived 18 months ago. Those old issues came to the fore again, meanwhile, as Emerson gifted Hearts a goal in pre-season when attempting to play out from the back.
Still, AC Milan have a fine record when it comes to signing Premier League misfits and breathing fresh life into their ailing careers. Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were huge successes under Stefano Pioli last term.
Serie A giants to step up interest
“If we look at the CV, I would say that he is the right man,” Milan legend Filippo Galli tells Gazzetta dello Sport of Emerson, who’s potential arrival has divided fans and pundits alike.
“He has international experience, which is what Milan needs to raise their level, and he is used to the rhythms of the English league. Another added value.
“He would arrive as an alternative to (Davide) Calabria and rightly so. A great team, if it wants to be one, must have more options.
“At Tottenham, (Emerson) often sacrificed himself in the defensive phase, with decent results,” adds Galli, a five-time Serie A and three-time European Cup winner in red-and-black.
“Milan would make an investment in line with those of last season. However, the Brazilian also (needs to be) convinced of the project. A fundamental aspect.”
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