Bakayoko's time at AC Milan far from over, claims agent who arranged the move

Tiémoué Bakayoko had hoped to escape the pressure and criticism of Stamford Bridge by joining AC Milan on loan this summer, but things have not exactly gone according to plan. In fact, they may be even worse now than before, as he’s drawn the ire of his manager as well while previously Antonio Conte had always supported him publicly. Gennaro Gattuso’s assessments have unsurprisingly led to rumors of the loan being cut short by Milan in January, although that’s something that an agent close to the situation denies.

"Bakayoko is happy at AC Milan and the club is happy with what he is doing. We knew he would take time to adapt, but everybody believes that he will help the team during the season. Any speculation about his return to Chelsea is simply untrue.”

-Federico Pastorello; source: Calciomercato

Pastorello of course has vested interest in seeing this move work out. He’s the one who helped create this situation in the first place! He’s not Bakayoko’s agent, but as intermediary, he was instrumental in arranging the move.

Bakayoko had shown few glimpses at Chelsea of the player he was at Monaco after his £40m transfer, but perhaps it’s not too late for him to do so in Italy. But he needs to shape up and shape up quickly. Otherwise, it’s going to be yet another long and frustration season for the 24-year-old.