GdS: Lazio and Club Brugge duo stand out on Milan’s list of possible Theo replacements | OneFootball

Theo Hernandez is expected to leave AC Milan, a report claims, and the directors have begun searching for his potential replacement.

La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Theo is heading for the exit door and could either be sold in the upcoming window or be allowed to depart in 2026 when his contract expires. In either case, two targets stand out: Maxim De Cuyper of Club Brugge and Nuno Tavares of Lazio.

The Belgian announced himself last year when he scored in a 2-2 draw against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico. Milan watched him closely in the game against Brugge at San Siro in the group stage too, and they clearly like what they saw.

He doesn’t have Theo’s ball progression, but De Cuyper makes up for it with his technique. The 24-year-old is actually third in Belgium for key passes despite being a full-back. How much would he cost? Brugge wanted just under €20m last summer, now it is likely to be more.

The Portuguese Nuno Tavares, meanwhile, is one of the surprises of the current Serie A. One thing appears certain: Lazio will buy him from Arsenal for a more than affordable sum (€5m plus €4m in bonuses, with a conditional obligation and 20% on future resale).

However, it is much less certain that Claudio Lotito wants to sell him after just one year with the Biancoceleste. Tavares impressed with his running and power, producing an impressive eight assists in the league alone.

Meanwhile, the Rossoneri will discuss Alex Jimenez’s situation with Real Madrid given they have a buy-back. Milan are confident of extending the terms of the agreement, perhaps moving the clauses back a couple of years and increasing them.