Changes are coming as Milan must pay the price for their worst season in over a decade, with several key players heavily linked with summer exits. Tijjani Reijnders already left San Siro to embark on a career at Manchester City, but he probably won’t be the only high-profile departure.
Sergio Conceicao already fell victim to Milan’s sub-standard eighth-place finish in Serie A. Despite the club’s significant investments over the past two transfer windows, the Rossoneri will not compete on the European stage next term.
Therefore, the 19-time Italian champions have turned to a familiar face to fill the vacancy in the dugout. Though not the most popular among fans, Massimiliano Allegri returns to his old stomping ground to steady the ship. However, the question remains – how will the squad look in 2025/26?
Milan failed to meet expectations in 2024/25 despite sky-high ambitions. Many even saw them as betting favorites to secure a top-four finish at the very least. Many bettors used their online casino bonus to back the Rossoneri, only to watch the San Siro outfit tumble on all fronts.
Now is the time for an overhaul.
Who Could Go?
In addition to Reijnders, Milan could soon lose several other first-team stalwarts. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan has emerged as a top transfer target for Premier League giants Chelsea. However, negotiations are on the brink of collapse, with the Blues reluctant to match Milan’s demands.
Furthermore, Theo Hernandez looks destined to end his six-year association with the Italian powerhouse. Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League clubs have set their sights on the Frenchman and the player seems to have finally made up his mind and accepted a move to the desert.
Finally, Yunus Musah is one step away from joining Napoli. The clubs have yet to agree on add-ons, but the USMNT midfielder’s switch to Stadio Diego Armando Maradona looks like a mere formality. That’s not the end of the summer exodus by any means.
Joao Felix and Riccardo Sottil will return to their parent clubs, while it’s hard to rule out the exits of Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. As such, Allegri may have to start from scratch.
New Midfield Set-up
Replacing Reijnders won’t be a simple task. The Dutch star was named the best midfielder in Serie A last term for a reason. He dictated play in the engine room with flair, precision, and intent. Real Madrid icon Luka Modric could be an ideal short-term replacement.
Players like Modric are a dying species. However, the former Ballon d’Or winner is 39 and no longer the unstoppable force he once was. Per Sky Sport Italia, Milan remain keen on Valencia starlet Javi Guerra and could soon launch a new attempt to sign the Spaniard.
Valencia won’t let their gem leave for less €25 million, but that shouldn’t be an issue for the Rossoneri. Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka is another viable target for Milan. After Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, the 32-year-old could be the latest star to quit Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
These moves suggest Milan prefer immediate results over long-term sustainability. However, that’s somewhat understandable, considering they can’t afford another season like this.
Defensive Overhaul
Tomori isn’t the only defender that could depart Milan in the coming months. Followed by Juventus, the ex-Chelsea center-back has several admirers in the Premier League, with the Rossoneri willing to listen to offers for their underperforming ace.
However, Malick Thiaw could also cut ties with Milan, with West Ham United reportedly keeping close tabs on the German. And then, there’s Hernandez, who seems closer to leaving than staying for another year.
Finding a player of Hernandez’s caliber looks almost impossible. Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko is the front-runner to take over. Still, there’s a substantial gulf in class between the two.
Other defensive sales would force Milan’s hand. Widely considered among Serie A’s brightest prospects, Parma’s Giovanni Leoni is among the club’s top targets. Yet, Inter could spoil Rossoneri’s plans, especially now that Cristian Chivu is in charge.
Conclusion
Milan will probably head into next season with a significantly weaker squad, at least on paper. That would ring particularly true if Rafael Leao joined the departing contingent amid speculation that he could link up with Bayern Munich.
Either way, uncertain times are ahead of the seven-time European champions.
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