Milanisti the world over are anticipating a big signing this coming August, maybe two. Last year, at the eleventh hour, both Robinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were signed. Their arrival was a major reason behind Milan’s Scudetto success as they went to contribute 27 goals between them in the league. Much the same is expected again this August. The club’s search for the mysterious Mr. X has been well documented yet it is possible that two quality players will be brought in just as last season. Indeed, this is what is hoped.

Though the excitement that August has promised has led many commentators to be caught in the swirl of transfer rumours, it is time for a moment of pause and to reflect on the acquisitions the club has already made.

The first two players Milan secured for the coming season was Roma’s Philippe Mexes and Taye Taiwo. Both arrived on a free transfer so at least from an economic perspective this was good business.

Philippe Mexes

Never the biggest fan of the Frenchman, Mexes will nevertheless serve as a ready replacement for either Thiago Silva or Alessandro Nesta. This is once is again fit. The former Roma man succumbed to an anterior ligament injury in early April last season and is not expected to be back until October.

It can be said that Mexes’ last two seasons have not been his best. Poor form, suspensions and injury have limited him to just thirty six appearances in two seasons. The Milan Lab will have to work hard to get him back to his physical peak.

A great player on his day, he is prone to losing his temper and can commit blatant mistakes. However, Alessandro Nesta’s recent statement that expressed his intention to keep playing on for as long as possible means that Milan’s first choice central pairing will remain being the Italian alongside Thiago Silva and this is good news. Mexes will merely be back up and this is the role that will suit him best.

Taye Taiwo

More so than Mexes, Taye Taiwo represents a player Milan were in great need of. Left back has been a problem for the club ever since Paolo Maldini retired. The likes of Luca Antonini and Marek Jankulovski have since occupied this role though without ever impressing enough.

The signing of the Nigerian failed to generate much excitement and this is perhaps due to the indifferent season he experienced last term at former club Marseille. Early in the season he was reduced to the role of bench player, however, he regained his starting role as the season progressed and managed to finish it off with some good form.

Taiwo’s main strengths are his formidable body strength complimented well by his impressive endurance that had made him a fan’s favourite in the south of France. His most striking attribute, however, is his lethal left foot. For Milan such attributes will serve the team well. Now, finally, the team will have a viable wide option on the left wing.

Stephen El Sharaawy

Perhaps Milan’s most exciting signing so far but also most mysterious. Few knew him before Milan announced they had signed him including yours truly. There is a good reason for this. The Italian who is born to an Egyptian father had only made three appearances in three years while at Genoa.

It was last season in Italy’s Serie B that El Sharaawy captured the attention Adriano Galliani along with many others. Playing for Padova, he proved a protagonist behind the club’s push for promotion only to lose out in the final playoffs. In total he claimed nine goals, a few assists and thirty three appearances. The last time a player made such an impression in Italy’s second division was Mario Balotelli.

In time El Sharaawy could prove the perfect solution for Milan and, indeed, Italy for the role of trequartista. Blessed with blistering pace and a dribbling ability to match, this young star has a big future and, if given the chance, may just cause a stir at his new club before many expect.

It should be noted that technically Kevin Prince Boateng and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have this summer had their loan moves made permanent while Alberto Paloschi has returned his loan spell.