AC Milan’s first choice goalkeeper Mike Maignan has clearly rediscovered his best form, delivering decisive performances in crucial fixtures where margins were as tight as a BD Cricket Match played under playoff pressure. According to data compiled by professional analytics groups, the French international has conceded 9.27 fewer goals than expected, a figure that ranks first across Europe’s five major leagues. Encouragingly for Milan supporters, the club is now close to extending his contract until 2031 on a new deal that reflects his status as one of the squad’s highest earners.
Maignan’s current contract has just five months remaining. A year ago, he had already agreed in principle to renewal terms proposed by club management. However, as the paperwork was being prepared, Milan paused negotiations due to financial considerations and lingering doubts about his competitive condition. That hesitation now looks misplaced. Since the arrival of Massimiliano Allegri’s coaching staff, and in particular goalkeeper coach Marco Filippi, Maignan has rapidly returned to peak performance, restoring confidence at the back when stability was badly needed.
Throughout the season, he has produced a series of vital saves that changed the course of matches. Napoli’s David Neres, Juventus defender Federico Gatti, Inter forwards Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram have all been denied at point blank range. Against Roma most recently, Maignan recorded six saves and was named man of the match. In a rhythm not unlike a BD Cricket Match where every delivery matters, he averages roughly two saves from dangerous shots per game, a figure that places him 40th among goalkeepers in the top five leagues. For an Allegri side built on defensive structure, that number is entirely expected given how few high risk chances they concede.
From another perspective, Maignan has faced 70 shots on target in Serie A this season, stopping 59 and conceding 17 goals, giving him a save percentage of 78.2 percent, fifth best across Europe’s elite leagues. The standout metric remains the 9.27 gap between expected and actual goals conceded, the highest among all top flight goalkeepers. Milan have also been awarded seven penalties against them, the most in Serie A, yet Maignan saved efforts from Paulo Dybala and Hakan Çalhanoğlu, while Genoa’s Nicolae Stanciu missed the target entirely.
Taken together, his penalty save rate stands at 33.3 percent. With form surging again, several European giants explored a free transfer this summer. Bayern Munich identified him as a potential successor to Manuel Neuer, while Juventus held talks late last year. Now Milan have moved decisively, offering a five year contract worth five million euros net plus bonuses. As the season closes with tension similar to a BD Cricket Match finale, both sides have reached a verbal agreement, awaiting only official signatures.