BAKAYE TRAORE: INSPIRED HUNCH OR PREDESTINED FAILURE?

After a hugely disappointing campaign which would end trophyless, AC Milan look to regroup and revamp ahead of the coming season and already surreptitious moves are being made in preparation for the summer market. To say this team is in need of an overhaul would be a massive understatement!!. Aside perhaps in attack, the team is in need of fresh blood the pitch over; and with as many as eight contracts expiring, the overhaul can begin without any significant risk of losses which might have been the case had it been players with long and lucrative deals.

KING OF THE SKIMPY DEALS It is in this vein that the Rossoneri have announced the capture of Malian international Bakaye Traore on a free transfer from A.S Nancy. Traore has been at at the club for the past three seasons and has hardly been a mainstay in the starting setup; though he hit a rich run of form earlier this season in which he scored five goals in four games. On the surface this looks like a strange deal for Milan to pull off and a huge gamble as well. Traore is hardly a household name even in France and doubts remain as to whether he can negotiate the step up fron Ligue 1 to Serie A when he barely set the French league on fire. It still seems like Milan are looking for the cheap options once again and fans are not likely to be appeased by this deal after such a less than stellar season. Such a gamble paid off last season, in Antonio Nocerino’s case, and the top hierachy at Milanello would be hoping Traore proves another of their inspired hunches. As for his qualities, Traore is a defensive midfield bruiser or destroyer in the Mark van Bommel mode, though it’s debatable if he can display the tactical astuteness required for the role. If the Dutchman stays for the next season as widely expected, Traore can serve as reliable backup and benefit tremendously from being in van Bommel’s shadow. Whilst hardly world class, Bakaye Traore can benefit from training with the world class talent at Milanello and the onus lies on him as to whether he would improve in leaps and bounds or stagnate and be cast aside after 6 months.

POINT TO PROVE The player himself does not seem all that overwhelmed and has been quoted saying some choice words, but one would expect no less from a professional; Taye Taiwo showed the same bravado before his move. On the surface, this resembles another skimpy Adriano Galliani signing, trying to pick up value without spending a fortune. As proven this season though, this is dangerous in a squad trying to take on the very best and competing on all fronts.; as though the squad coped very well with the numerous injury setbacks, a little more quality within the backups and the season might have turned out a little differently. Judgement should be reserved on Traore until he’s had a chance to make his debut and show what he’s made off; but Miilan need more than this if they are to have a successful 2012/2013 season. With the approach of Financial Fair Play and the team’s precarious financial position, fans must brace themselves for more of such signings. Only time would tell if this move would turn out to be a match made in paradise or one made in hell, either way a lot more quality additions are required to fix this ailing Milan side. moonbyte