Blog: Prince Charming

Milan were rumoured to be losing out on one of their players of the season, as confusion set in as to Kevin Prince Boateng’s future. Rob Paton reports

Kevin Prince Boateng’s debut season in Serie A has seen his stock rise, but as the campaign ends, doubts have crept in about where his future lays.

His impact this season has surpassed expectations, and Massimiliano Allegri’s tactical adjustments – and their success – owe a lot to the German-born midfielder. Starting the term predominantly with cameos from the bench, the work-rate and energy in his performances has seen him earn an increased involvement in first-team activity.

The former Tottenham man’s versatility, combined with a willingness to run down defenders, track back into defence, and offer consistent support as an over-lapping runner in attack, has seen him used in a number of roles on the pitch. These have varied from central midfield with more defensive responsibilities, to wing-based support in attack, to deployment as a central trequartista, either alongside a teammate between midfield and attack, or with the core attacking role just to himself.

Although only registering three goals and two assists from 22 League appearances so far, his effect on the team’s style of play is significant, and the team average a goal every 50 minutes with Boateng on the pitch.

Such has been his influence, interest has risen of his future. The confusion that surrounded his initial transfer last August has threatened to resurface amid contrasting reports of what will happen this summer.

Newspapers in Genoa believe there is an agreement that guarantees his return to Marassi this summer, but both Enrico Preziosi and Adriano Galliani have denied this, Galliani saying: “There is a gentleman’s agreement and we expect it to be upheld, and for the player to remain with Milan.”

The renewed uncertainty however, perhaps comes with side issues to consider. Speaking of the club’s intentions to balance the books in light of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations, Galliani’s primary focus is clear: “We must of course reduce the overheads, because the 1 January 2012 falls, with regards to the European trophies, on the first three years of Financial Fair Play. In view of this, for the years 2012, 2013 and 2014, we can lose a maximum of €45m.”

Significant then are Milan’s posted losses this week for 2010 of €69.8m – an increase of €60m from the 12 months prior. So too are delays over Andrea Pirlo and Alessandro Nesta signing reduced deals, Ronaldinho’s departure to save on an €8m salary, and Mark Van Bommel’s cut-price contract – all signs the club are taking measures to save on running costs. Given the club have committed €24m to secure Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2011, concern has naturally turned to Boateng’s future.

The two clubs are set for a busy summer of negotiations as it is – Boateng’s name alongside the likes of Alberto Paloschi, Marco Amelia and Giacomo Beretta on a long list of players on loan or co-ownership agreements between the parties. The clubs remain on good terms, with even Marco Borriello and Miguel Veloso rumoured in recent weeks to be involved in future cross-table talks between Galliani and Preziosi.

However, Boateng remains the primary discussion, and fans can take heart that despite a challenging summer in store for Galliani that raises doubts over a few other rumoured directions in the market, that the cost of a Prince is not distracting him from securing one of Milan’s most consistent players.