It all started when Saponara joined Milan. In his debut season, he was turned into shackles of the player that he once was prior to the move. Thoughts of going to the world cup were quickly dashed and as he had a bad start to the season. It was all blamed to the structures at the club and the preference to play older players even though they do not achieve much. He made very few starts and contributed very little to the success of the club. He was quickly degraded from a young promising player to one who was now considered as surplus to the subsequent coaches that he worked under.
Things went worse in the last season when he only made two appearances and in games where Milan lost. For the better part of it, he was not even on the bench and fans started questioning whether he will still be needed in the squad. The coach preferred to play the likes of Muntari and Michael Essien who produced very little. In fact, it seemed like nobody thought of Saponara anymore. When the chance came to be loaned out, it must have been a great relief for him. He gladly moved to Empoli and that is where things changed.
In his very first game in Empoli shirt, he scored the penalty that put them on level terms with their opponents. He was a promising part of the squad and when he was suspended after receiving two yellow cards in just a space of four minutes, his absence was greatly felt. He came back from the suspension to show an amazing surge in form. It is safe to say that at present, Saponara is the top player that he once was before he moved to Milan. And this is definitely what makes him want to leave the Milan tag and soar to greater heights under a different club. Going to the world cup was a far off dream while he was playing for Milan as he was considered a long shot for making the team at the beginning of the season.
This may be a promising start for Saponara to becoming a potential 2018 world cup hopeful.
The main thing that is likely to facilitate the move of Saponara away from Ac Milan is an all-important clause in his loan contract. In the contract, though Empoli acquired him on loan, there is a provision to buy if they deem fit. And with the current surge in the performance of the player who is definitely under the radar of most top clubs, there is no doubt that any team would want to buy him. Having established himself already as a major part of the Empoli team, it is hard to imagine how they would cope if he was to go back to Milan.
These stories about the transfer of the player are likely to unfold very fast, especially after the end of the 2014/2015 Serie A season. Although Empoli has the upper hand in signing Saponara, there is no doubt that other clubs will want to sign him. Although details of any possible deal remain scanty, reliable sources indicate that consultations have been in top gear and that in a very short time, there will be a clear announcement from both clubs. Saponara agent has yet to issue an official statement thus making the situation even more complicated. It also remains to be seen whether Milan will agree to a transfer or if they will want to bring him back. It seems clear the if Saponara wishes to compete at the 2018 world cup in Russia his path will be easier if he stays with Empoli.
