English Premier League
Al-Nassr target Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan after row over delayed return
Al-Nassr have made a surprise move to sign Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan as they look to complete their second deal of the summer transfer window, according to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Saudi Pro League club are seeking a new goalkeeper to replace Brazil international Bento, while Saudi goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi is also nearing a departure. Maignan has emerged as a possible target as Al-Nassr attempt to take advantage of tensions surrounding the France international at Milan.
Maignan is reported to have angered Milan supporters after delaying his return to the club’s training camp, alongside team-mate Adrien Rabiot, following the 2026 World Cup. The pair were due back on 12 August but are now expected to return on 16 August.
The delay has prompted strong criticism from Milan fans, who have attacked Maignan with the new season approaching. Al-Nassr are understood to be monitoring the situation and could look to use the unrest to persuade the 31-year-old to move to Saudi Arabia.
However, any agreement would be difficult to complete. Maignan signed a new five-year contract with Milan in January, keeping him at the club until 2031.
The goalkeeper is among Milan’s highest earners, receiving a reported salary of seven million euros. Al-Nassr may be able to offer him significantly more in the Saudi league, which could strengthen their attempt to convince him to leave Italy despite his long-term contract.
Maignan is expected to hold talks with Milan’s management and Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim after returning to the club. Those discussions are expected to determine his position and future with the Italian side.
Maignan has worn the Milan captain’s armband and has been at the club since joining from Lille in 2021. He has made 204 appearances for Milan, conceding 208 goals and keeping 75 clean sheets during that period.
He was also France’s goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where Les Bleus finished fourth.
Al-Nassr’s interest comes as the club continue to reshape their goalkeeping options during the current transfer window. Their priority is to bring in a replacement for Bento, while the possible departure of Nawaf Al-Aqidi would further increase the need for a new goalkeeper.
Maignan’s contract, status as Milan captain and importance to the squad mean that Al-Nassr face a challenging task if they are to make the move happen. His delayed return and the reaction from Milan supporters, though, have created an opening for the Saudi club to explore a potential deal.
