Milan, from Leao to Bennacer who can leave

The rule of the last market will also apply to the next one: at Milan there are no untransferable players. Even more so if the team’s stars shine every other day, while Europe’s big names look on with interest. Well, in the last two Thursdays of the month it was pitch dark in the Milan sky: from Leao to Theo Hernandez, from Giroud to Bennacer, the team collapsed also because its pillars collapsed in the first shock against Roma. Will more arrive away from the field? Possible, probable. Let’s try to identify the areas at risk, between announced farewells (Giroud has chosen Los Angeles FC, he will say goodbye at the end of the season, as will Kjaer and Jovic, both expiring in June like the Frenchman), unknowns regarding renewals and market pressure.

thorny renewals

—

Milan has no renewal urgency on the agenda, but the cases of Maignan and Hernandez are floating dangerously at the border: both Mike and Theo have contracts expiring in 2026, there are still two years left but accelerating in the next few months is essential to avoid bad surprises. Otherwise, in fact, Milan would expose themselves to the classic risk of starting next season with the double front still open. In recent months something has moved, but we are still in the preliminary phase: the Rossoneri were planning to meet the agents of the two Frenchmen between the first leg and second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals but the appointment was postponed. The next few weeks will become hot, very hot. Both Theo and Maignan are happy at Milan, but both expect growth: in ambition – they won the Scudetto at the Rossoneri but it wasn’t enough – and in numbers on the paycheck. Maignan aspires to earn more than double the current 3.2 million, Hernandez is already the highest paid in the squad after Leao (4.5 million against Rafa’s 7) and would like to get closer to the Portuguese. Milan reflects, while they also reflect in Munich: Bayern will soon have two “holes”, between goal and left flank, to be filled with substitutes of the caliber of Neuer and Alphonso Davies, the two Milan players are at the top of the list of preferences . PSG always remains in the background. And Milan? In the event of indecent proposals, let’s say in the order of 100 million, the Rossoneri would be ready to listen.

the unknown leao

—

For Rafa Leao there is no need to set a price: the 175 million clause, introduced in last year’s renewal, perfectly frames the Rossoneri club’s evaluation for its number 10. Rafa, meanwhile, remains a cross and a delight for Milan: the season that is about to end is undoubtedly the most controversial one since he wore the Rossoneri, because the Portuguese alternated great moments (the overhead kick against PSG, the evenings as a driving force in the Europa League between the playoffs and the round of 16) with important missed passes. The last one took place in the double match against Roma and Leao returned to divide the fans (those at San Siro had booed him in the first leg against the Giallorossi). The debate revolves around a question: what to do with a player like Rafa, a potential champion but not enough time to become one in all respects? Build a team around him or sell him, to cash in and reinvest? Milan will answer the question, with the choice of the new coach and obviously the moves of his admirers. PSG leads the group of fans, but watch out for the English: Chelsea’s passion for Rafa’s struggles has never waned, while Manchester United can join the race.

from owners to transferees

—

The list of starters who could leave at the end of the season extends to midfield and defence. In midfield, Ismael Bennacer has a situation to monitor. For him, Saudi Arabia is an option that sooner or later will be topical. Bennacer is obviously a valued player and, for footballing and life reasons, is interested in a future in Saudi. Will it happen already next summer? The Algerian’s idea is to move further forward – Ismael is only 26 years old – but, in the event of an offer from one of Riyadh’s top clubs, a surprise could not be ruled out. Just as surprises cannot be ruled out in the center of defense, where Tomori, Kalulu and Thiaw are available. To date, however, the Englishman is the central defender destined to lead the department for a long time to come and Kalulu is, in terms of characteristics, the most compatible with the aggressive and fast Milan that Furlani, Ibrahimovic and Moncada plan for the post-Pioli Diavolo. Thiaw, who established himself during the parenthesis of the three-man defense in 2023 and never really shined this season, thus becomes the first expendable: the German is liked in the Premier League and Milan – who paid him 5 million – could obtain a capital gain from his sale significant. Other millions could come from the redemptions of Atalanta and Bologna for De Ketelaere and Saelemaekers, while the old flops like Origi are destined to return to base at the end of the season.