Milan Identify Highly-Rated Belgian Talent as Theo Hernandez Heir

Preparations for life after Theo Hernandez are well underway, with Milan scouring the market for the Frenchman’s heir. According to Calciomercato, Club Brugge starlet Maxim De Cuyper has caught Rossoneri’s attention.

Milan director Geoffrey Moncada was in the stands of the Stadio Olimpico for Italy’s UEFA Nations League clash against Belgium to watch the 23-year-old in action. He had plenty to see, considering the highly-rated youngster netted a spectacular mid-range effort to initiate De Rode Duivels’ comeback.

De Cuyper only recently penned a contract extension at the Jan Breydel Stadium, pledging his future to Club Brugge until 2028. Therefore, Milan would likely have to allocate upward of €20 million to convince the Belgian outfit to sit at the negotiating table. But Hernandez hasn’t given Paulo Fonseca’s side much of a choice.

The Frenchman’s situation at Milan seems fragile. Hernandez and Fonseca don’t see eye-to-eye despite the Portuguese manager handing the former Real Madrid left-back the captain’s armband several times this season. Frustration escalated before October’s international break, with Hernandez pulling out of extension talks.

His contract at Milan runs out in 2026, giving the Rossoneri plenty of time to handle the problem. However, the Sere A giants know better than to take any chance with Hernandez’s increasingly likely departure. Indeed, a contingency plan is already in place.

De Cuyper excelled last season, mustering five goals and 15 assists in 55 competitive appearances for Club Brugge. Like Hernandez, he’s a versatile left-footer, capable of playing anywhere along the flank. It makes him a perfect candidate in the eyes of Milan.