Former Chelsea and France defender Frank Leboeuf believes AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan can be the best signing to take Chelsea to the following stage.
Talking concerning the Rossoneri star to the , Leboeuf made no secret of his admiration for Maignan’s qualities, describing him as “world-class” and a pure chief. “After all, Magic Mike, I don’t wish to steal him from Milan, however the man is world-class,” he mentioned. “He’s so gifted. I noticed him taking part in in France and I’ve adopted him in Italy.”
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Mike Maignan of AC Milan celebrates after the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
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Leboeuf highlighted Maignan’s athleticism and presence, including: “He’s a pure expertise. He’s a cat, I name him a cat, he can soar and catch the ball like loopy. And he’s a pacesetter. He’s what Chelsea wants.”
Lebouef: Like they wanted a Thiago Silva, Chelsea want a Mike Maignan
Whereas praising Chelsea’s present No.1, Leboeuf argued that Maignan would nonetheless characterize a transparent improve. “Roberto Sánchez is doing nice proper now however has made so many errors. He isn’t as gifted along with his ft as Mike. Maignan can be a plus, undoubtedly a plus.”
The previous defender drew a comparability with one other Chelsea nice, insisting that might have an analogous affect. “Chelsea wanted Thiago Silva to calm down the defence. They’ll want a Mike Maignan to make the distinction,” he defined, earlier than jokingly apologising to Milan supporters for his enthusiasm.
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Leboeuf additionally spoke extra broadly about French expertise in Serie A, praising the rising curiosity in gamers corresponding to Ange-Yoan Bonny and others. “If Italian groups are involved in French gamers, it means they’ve confirmed they’ve expertise and consistency,” he mentioned. “They’ll carry out on the highest stage.”
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Ange-Yoan Bonny of Internazionale battles for possession with Nikola Moro of Bologna FC 1909 through the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud College Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Picture by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Photographs)
Reflecting on the depth out there to France coach Didier Deschamps, Leboeuf added: “When you’ve got gamers like Mbappé, Dembélé, Barcola and so many others, it’s insane. Deschamps is fortunate, he has the alternatives of a king.”