Why Radamel Falcao Could Propel AC Milan Back to the Top

Radamel Falcao literally waved goodbye to the Old Trafford crowd on Sunday, signalling the likely end of his loan to Manchester United. It just never worked out for him in England. 

So it's time for him to try Italy.

AC Milan have been linked with the Colombian in recent weeks, with reports from Italy suggesting he could be a "marquee signing" for the Rossoneri this summer, according to James Robson of the Manchester Evening News. That's a move that could help both club and player.

Falcao needs a solid home, and Milan need a striker of pedigree. On paper, it's an ideal marriage.

His career has stalled since he suffered an ACL injury ahead of the 2014 World Cup. He has not fully recovered from it—not mentally, anyway. He managed only four goals in 26 appearances for United. At one point, he was even relegated to their U21 team. 

Perhaps England was not the right place for a player coming off a devastating injury at an advanced age. Falcao is 29, and you could see the drop in pace. He is facing the same fate Fernando Torres did: a prolific attacker changed by a knee injury. The Premier League leaves those players behind.

Falcao's value has dropped as a result. The £46 million buyout clause in his loan deal with United looks like a joke compared to a couple of years ago. Between 2009 and 2013, he scored 149 goals for Porto and Atletico Madrid combined. 

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

For a combination of reasons—a lack of pace, a lack of confidence, a lack of understanding—Falcao could not get things right at United. For the first time in a long time, he wasn't the main man. 

At Milan, that could all change.

He needn't worry about the pace. The slower game in Italy would suit a more technical player like Falcao, who is a threat both inside and out the box. He would also have the freedom to start every game for Milan and cement himself as a protagonist. 

Falcao, much like Milan, needs that stability. Since moving to Europe, he has not spent more than two seasons at a single club. That's almost mercenary status. And it's starting to hurt his overall play. Falcao needs a solid solution, not a temporary change of scenery. 

The obvious obstacle is the price—even at a lower rate. It's uncertain how much money Milan will have this summer. A change in ownership (or a sale of minority shares) would influence their transfer policies and facilitate a move for Falcao.  

Negotiations with Thai businessman Bee Taechaubol have not amounted to anything yet. Should Milan strike a deal with him, according to Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia), he could use his links to Doyen Sports to land Falcao. (Falcao is one of the many players with the investment group.)

Falcao has always been fond of Milan for one particular reason: Filippo Inzaghi. He even asked for Inzaghi to sign a shirt for him. 

"He is a striker I have always really admired because of his eye for goal," Falcao told Tuttosport (h/t Adam Digby of ESPN FC). "He has inspired me with his style of play."

It's uncertain if Inzaghi will remain coach of Milan next season, but it's not impossible to imagine Falcao playing for and emulating one of his idols.