No disrespect to Carlos Bacca, but the Colombian forward's status as AC Milan’s premier forward has somewhat come to symbolize the seven-time European champion's fall from grace. More industrious than stardust, Bacca simply isn’t cut from the same cloth of Andriy Shevhenko, Filippo Inzaghi or Marco van Basten.
But with the takeover of Chinese businessman Li Yonghong and Rossoneri Sport Investment Lux, the star power appears to be on the return at one of the world’s most storied clubs. On June 12, Milan confirmed the €38 million transfer of 21-year-old Portuguese striker Andre Silva from FC Porto.
Silva’s rise has been astronomical. In only his second season with Porto’s senior squad, Silva scored 21 goals across all competitions. He’s been capped 11 times for Portugal, and his return is a staggering eight goals, including six in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification.
On Saturday, he helped Portugal secure their place at the top of FIFA Confederations Cup Group A with this spectacular strike against New Zealand.
André Silva gets his 8th goal in 11 appearances for Portugal! @Powerade #NZLPOR #ConfedCup https://t.co/RPc4RGQGXK
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 24, 2017
Although the 32-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo appears capable of scoring heaps of goals well into his 70s, the Selecção have clearly unearthed another gem in Silva.
The current project at AC Milan deserves our undivided attention.