One of AC Milan’s major hopes for tonight’s match is to rediscover the best version of Theo Hernández, a player whose contributions have often been decisive. The left-back, who joined the rossoneri in 2019 (after a meeting with Paolo Maldini in Ibiza), has produced top-tier numbers in his position. In 224 appearances, he has tallied 31 goals and 41 assists, placing him among the elite of world football in his role.
This year, like much of Milan, he hasn’t had the best start. So far, Theo has scored two goals and provided two assists in 11 matches, although he made history against Lecce. The goal he scored on September 27 was his 29th in Serie A, allowing him to equal the legendary Paolo Maldini at the top of the all-time scoring defenders list for Milan. The historic former player even congratulated him with a smile: “The small difference is that it took me 25 years; you’ve done it in just five. You’re special.”
However, after that joyful moment came a match that complicated his recent weeks. Against Fiorentina, Theo missed a penalty saved by De Gea, and manager Fonseca stated that the designated penalty taker was Pulisic. Additionally, the left-back received a straight red card after the final whistle for protesting the referee’s decision, which led to a two-match suspension.
Against Monza, however, Theo showed that he is back. Responding to questions from AS about the Frenchman, Fonseca confirmed on the eve of the match with Real Madrid: “He has started with physical difficulties, but I believe he is coming back now. He’s feeling better, and we saw that in the last game. I think he has room to do even better.” This is positive news that the rossoneri hope will be reaffirmed tonight at the Bernabéu, a special reunion for the left-back, which will also add to discussions about his future.
Theo’s contract expires in 2026, and as AS has learned, there have been no contacts with his agent to begin negotiations for a renewal. The player is happy in Milan and willing to extend a relationship that started five years ago, but time is running out. If the situation isn’t resolved, in the coming months, the transfer market will have to be revisited. With only one year left on his contract, Milan must avoid a repeat of the Donnarumma, Calhanoglu, or Kessié situations, where they all left as free agents, and be open to negotiating with interested parties. Bayern, PSG, and several Premier League teams have already made contact in recent months to inquire about his situation. The rossoneri must make a decision: negotiate a renewal or consider his sale.
