AC Milan find themselves at a crossroads regarding their left-back position, with Theo Hernandez’s future hanging in the balance and the club actively exploring alternatives. The Rossoneri’s technical director, Geoffrey Moncada, was spotted in Rome scouting Maxim De Cuyper during the Italy-Belgium match, signaling the club’s proactive approach to addressing potential gaps in the squad.
Calciomercato report that Theo Hernandez, despite being a key player for Milan, has become an enigma for the club. The French defender’s recent performance in Florence, marred by a missed penalty and a post-match red card while wearing the captain’s armband, has raised concerns. With his contract set to expire in June 2026, negotiations for a renewal have stalled. Hernandez’s agent, Manuel Garcia Quilon, revealed that there have been no talks with the club since May-June, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the player’s future.
The 26-year-old currently earns €5 million per year including bonuses and is seeking an improved contract to reflect his status as a top player. However, his recent form has not lived up to expectations, complicating the situation further.
In light of these circumstances, Milan is prudently considering other options. Maxim De Cuyper, the 23-year-old Belgian from Club Bruges, has caught Moncada’s eye. The technical director has been following De Cuyper for at least 18 months, having previously scouted him in an Under-21 match between Belgium and Japan.
De Cuyper’s stock is rising rapidly. After an impressive season with Westerlo, where he scored 9 goals and provided 7 assists in 40 games, he has continued to shine for Club Bruges this season with 5 goals and 15 assists in 55 appearances. His recent goal for the Belgian national team against Italy further underscores his potential.
Milan is aware that securing De Cuyper’s services won’t come cheap, with a starting price of at least €20 million expected. However, the club sees him as more than just a backup option, potentially viewing the young Belgian as a long-term solution for the left-back position.
