Rade Krunic, the Bosnian midfielder who joined Milan from Empoli in 2019, is close to completing his move to Fenerbahce. The Turkish club has been pursuing him since last summer, but Milan rejected their initial offer. However, things have changed since then, and Krunic is now ready to leave the Rossoneri.
Why Krunic Wants to Leave Milan
Krunic started the season as a regular starter for Milan, playing in various positions in the midfield and attack. He scored two goals and provided two assists in the first 11 Serie A games. However, he also received a lot of criticism from the fans and the media for his inconsistent performances and lack of creativity.
As Milan signed new players in January, such as Leonardo Bonucci and Junior Firpo, Krunic found himself out of the pecking order. He has not played a single minute in the league since December 12, 2023, and has only made two appearances in the Coppa Italia. He also failed to agree on a contract extension with Milan, as his current deal expires in 2025.
How Fenerbahce Secured Krunic’s Transfer
Fenerbahce, who are leading the Super Lig and have qualified for the round of 16 in the UEFA Conference League, have been looking for a versatile midfielder who can add depth and quality to their squad. They identified Krunic as their main target and made a renewed offer to Milan in January.
According to Sky Sport Italia¹, Fenerbahce will pay €5 million plus €1 million in add-ons to Milan for Krunic’s transfer. The deal is almost done, and Krunic is expected to fly to Istanbul soon to undergo a medical and sign a contract with Fenerbahce.
Milan CEO Paolo Furlani confirmed the news to the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport². He said: “Everything should be okay for Rade. We wish him good luck for the future.”
What Krunic Can Bring to Fenerbahce
Krunic is a player who can play in different roles and systems. He can operate as a central midfielder, a defensive midfielder, a winger, or a second striker. He has good technical skills, work rate, and vision. He can also score goals from long range and set pieces.
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At Fenerbahce, Krunic will join a team that is coached by İsmail Kartal, who is known for his attacking and dynamic style of play. Krunic will have the opportunity to showcase his talents and regain his confidence. He will also reunite with his former Empoli teammate Zdravko Kuzmanovic, who is also a Bosnian international.
Krunic will also face a new challenge in the Turkish league, which is very competitive and passionate. He will have to adapt to a different culture and language, but he will also enjoy the support of the Fenerbahce fans, who are among the most loyal and enthusiastic in Europe.
Our Take on Milan, Fenerbahce, and Krunic
We think that this transfer is a win-win situation for all parties involved. Milan will get rid of a player who was not in their plans and earn some money to invest in other areas. Fenerbahce will get a quality player who can improve their squad and help them achieve their goals. Krunic will get a fresh start and a chance to prove himself at a high level.
We also think that Krunic’s departure from Milan was a bit unfair, as he was not given enough chances to prove his worth. He was a useful player who could fill in different roles, but he was also a victim of high expectations and harsh criticism. He deserved more respect and appreciation from the Milan fans and the media.
We hope that Krunic will find happiness and success at Fenerbahce, and we wish him all the best for his future.