Christian Pulisic is about to be overtaken: Milan is ready to break tradition and appoint a new top earner, eclipsing the USMNT star’s salary

Milan is preparing to make a decisive financial statement that will reshape their internal hierarchy, one that goes beyond attacks, goals or star power. Even with Christian Pulisic The Rossoneri have become one of the most influential figures in the squad and are ready to take another cornerstone of their project to a level that no one else at the club currently occupies.

As the January window approaches and long-term planning intensifies, Milan find themselves at a crossroads that could define the next cycle of their sporting identity. The decision isn’t just about sentiment or reward – it’s about protection, influence and leadership in a market where elite reliability is becoming increasingly rare. Just before the first big deadline of 2026, the club is ready to take action.

The player at the center of this strategy is Mike Maignan. The French goalkeeper’s contract expires next summer, putting the San Siro team under enormous pressure. If no agreement is reached, the club risks losing one of its most decisive players on a free transfer – an outcome the Rossoneri are determined to avoid.

Internally, Maignan is seen as much more than a goalkeeper. He is considered a pillar of Massimiliano Allegri’s technical projecta leader in the locker room and the organizer of the entire defensive structure. In a market where elite goalkeepers are scarce and hugely expensive, Milan see keeping him as the equivalent of a new signing. That belief is now supported with money.

Contract offer that changes everything

Milan are preparing to offer Maignan a new deal that would make him the highest paid player at the clubeven above Pulisic ($4.7 million) and other offensive stars. The proposal on the table is important. It includes a base salary of approximately $6 million per season, up to $1.6 million in performance-based bonuses, as well as a contract that runs until 2029, with an option for 2030.

If accepted, the deal would put the Frenchman at the very top of the club’s wage structure. Although Rafael Leao remains one of the club’s highest earners, his guaranteed base salary would still fall below the Frenchman’s new figure, underscoring how central Maignan is to the long-term vision. According to Transfer market And The Corriere della Serathis offer represents a marked shift from previous negotiations that stalled months ago following tensions between the parties.

AC Milan’s Mike Maignan leads his defence

see also

Christian Pulisic could welcome a legend: how Milan move could revive Sergio Ramos’ 2026 FIFA World Cup dream after Monterrey departure

Why Milan are pushing now

The urgency is clear. The shot stopper will enter the final months of his contract in 2026 The interest from major European clubs is growingespecially from England. A strong performance at international level would only increase his influence.

Rather than risk a summer auction – or worse, a free exit – Milan has decided to strike now. Transfer market reveals. Club directors prepare a decisive meeting with Maignan’s entourage shortly after Friday’s match against Cagliariwith Allegri himself expected to be involved.

The coach has been clear behind the scenes: Maignan is irreplaceable in the short term and fundamental to maintaining defensive balance. Allegri’s support has helped to thaw what sources described earlier this year as an “arctic” relationship.