Official: Liberali joins Como until 2031 after turning down Milan return
Quick summary
Young attacker Francesco Liberali has officially signed for Como on a contract running until 2031, rejecting a chance to return to AC Milan.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceComo have officially signed Italy Under-20 international Mattia Liberali from Catanzaro, activating the €6m release clause after he turned down a return to Milan.
“It’s a real thrill to be able to start my journey at Como,” Liberali told the club website.
“I’m really keen to develop and improve, and I’ve found we share a lot of common ground with the club in this regard. I’ve also spoken to the manager, and I think the playing philosophy is perfect for me. I can’t wait to take to the pitch at the Sinigaglia and meet the fans.”
Liberali ready to take off at Como CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 31: Mattia Liberali of AC Milan reacts during a Pre-Season Friendly match between AC Milan and Real Madrid at Soldier Field Stadium on July 31, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) The creative midfielder only turned 19 in April and has represented Italy at various youth levels throughout his career.
He was a product of the Milan youth academy , but left amid frustration last summer when he realised there would be no playing time or imminent promotion to the senior squad.
Liberali joined Catanzaro effectively for nothing, but with Milan still owed 50 per cent of the future sale fee.
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Mattia Liberali of Italy U17 in action during the International friendly match between Italy U17 and France U17 at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on February 13, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) It was widely reported that the Rossoneri had tried to talk him into returning to San Siro this season, where he would cost them just €3m rather than the full €6m release clause.
However, he was convinced that Como and working with Cesc Fabregas would be the correct next step in his career.
He has signed a contract with Como until June 2031.
“Mattia is a creative player with excellent technical ability and confidence in possession,” coach Fabregas told the club website.
“He can operate in tight spaces, create chances and contribute in the final third. We believe his qualities fit our style and look forward to helping him continue his development.”
Last season, Liberali scored four goals with four assists in 30 games for Serie B side Catanzaro.
Source attribution: this article content is based on the linked publisher feed/source. Chance adds independent soccer context, impact analysis, entity links, and related news.
What happened
Como have completed the permanent signing of Liberali from AC Milan, with the player committing his future to the lake-side club until 2031. The move is notable because Liberali turned down the option of a return to Milan, instead choosing to continue his development at Como. The deal underlines Como's strategy of investing in promising young Italian talent and reinforces Milan's willingness to let prospects depart permanently rather than bring them back into the fold.
Chance analysis
Liberali joining Como on a long-term deal until 2031 represents a strategic win for Como, who are building an identity around developing young Italian talent under ambitious ownership. For Milan, losing a youth product who declines a first-team return suggests limited pathway opportunity in their current squad structure. In prediction terms, Liberali becomes a depth/rotation option for Como rather than an immediate Serie A starter.
Como strengthen their attacking depth with a promising young player; Milan's first-team plans are unaffected by his departure.
Como gain long-term depth in attack; Milan lose a youth product who is unlikely to be a first-team factor either way.