Archie Brown during a match.
AC Milan`s search for a new left-back to fill the void left by the departure of **Theo Hernandez** has hit a significant snag. English defender **Archie Brown**, who was widely reported to be Milan`s primary target from KAA Gent, will instead be heading to Turkey to join **José Mourinho** at **Fenerbahçe**.
For a period, it appeared the Rossoneri were in pole position to secure the young defender`s signature. Negotiations seemed to be progressing positively, and anticipation was building among Milan supporters for the arrival of a promising talent to reinforce the backline. However, in a swift overnight development characteristic of the unpredictable nature of the transfer market, Fenerbahçe made a decisive move.
The Turkish club, now under the guidance of the ever-strategic José Mourinho, reportedly swooped in with a more attractive financial package. While the transfer fee itself is said to be only marginally higher than Milan`s offer, the crucial difference appears to be the personal terms offered to Brown. This improved proposal from Istanbul proved sufficient to convince the 2002-born left-back to choose the Süper Lig over Serie A.
Brown is now expected to travel to Istanbul imminently to undergo his medical examination and finalize the transfer. This outcome is undoubtedly a disappointment for Milan, who had identified him as the ideal candidate to replace Theo Hernandez, recently transferred to Al Hilal.
The situation is compounded by reports suggesting that another potential defensive target, **Doué** from Strasbourg, is also proving difficult to acquire. Milan now finds itself in a precarious position, needing to secure reinforcements at left-back less than a month before their Coppa Italia opener against Bari on August 17th at San Siro. Losing two key targets in quick succession highlights the challenges the club faces in the current transfer window and leaves the technical staff scrambling for alternative options.
