Domestic deals, talent trust and money makers [Bonus Article]

The recent transfer of Marco Brescianini to Atalanta, on a €2m paid loan with a €10m option/obligation, got me thinking as Milan will pocket 50% of the amount. First of all, this was once again very smart business by the Rossoneri, but it ties into a much bigger discussion regarding the increase of domestic signings. Indeed, with the rules forcing managements to think carefully, Milan are in a very good position.

The heated discussions between the Serie A clubs and the Italian government haven’t gone unnoticed by anyone. Rightly so, because the clubs in question must pay nearly double the net salary of foreign players in taxes due to the abolishment of the Growth Decree. This has made life even more difficult, with some of these clubs already in financial dire straits.

Having said this, one could argue that the change was a must to promote Italian players, which is something that squad rules also regulate. Both in Serie A and Champions League, you need a certain amount of ‘homegrown’ or ‘association-trained’ players to call up as many as possible. Naturally, combined with the Growth Decree abolishment, this has had a pretty big effect on the mercato and Milan are there to reap the rewards.