GdS: ‘A devilish mercato’ – why Milan believe they have done ‘the best they can’ for Allegri

AC Milan were among the most active clubs not just in Italy but around Europe in the summer that has just ended, and now the pitch must do the talking.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) recall, Milan invested €165m in new signings and recouped €160m from sales, while salaries increased by 10%. The average age of the purchases is 26 and a half years – raised by Luka Modric, admittedly – shows a desire to sign ready-made players.

In the dressing room there is now a wealth of experience, leadership and a habit of winning represented by the 69 trophies that the new men Modric (34), Rabiot (21) and Nkunku (14) have lifted in their careers.

Analysing the summer transfer market of 11 new faces and 19 outgoing operations, Milan is convinced of having a leaner squad (a pre-established objective, due to not being in European competitions), but also with more quality and experience.

This is all thanks to significant investments and targeted sales: a mix that has allowed the club to achieve almost all of the objectives set in June and then re-modulated after the transfer market summit at the end of August (with the consequent switch to a 3-5-2).

The only thing missing is an experienced central defender, with David Odogu (19 years of age) instead arriving from Wolfsburg, but with a lot of belief that he can live up to his €10m price tag and go beyond it.

Milan in third

Leaving aside the Premier League clubs, who given their revenues (especially from TV rights) are in a league of their own, among the clubs in LaLiga, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1 it is Milan that are in third in terms of spending at €165m.

Who spent the most? Atlético Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen. The Rossoneri were able to afford such significant incoming deals (Nkunku cost €37m, Jashari €34m, Ricci €23m and Estupinan €18m) because they were excellent at selling.

Among the 2024-25 starters, ‘only’ superstars like Tijjani Rejinders and Theo Hernandez left, with the latter having just a year on his deal and having had a disastrous season. Around €90m, was squeezed from the departures of Thiaw, Kalulu, Okafor, Morata, Emerson Royal, Pellegrino and Pobega.

Added to this are the loan payments for Musah, Jimenez, and Chukwueze. These three deals, if they were bought out, would bring another €70m into the accounts. This sum would be reinvested in 2026-27.

Wage impact

The summer transfer window, led by sporting director Igli Tare – in agreement with Allegri, and endorsed by CEO Giorgio Furlani – has produced a team with a top midfield, a unit with more quality and choice than last season.

Reijnders, Bondo and Musah have been replaced by Modric, Rabiot, Jashari and Ricci. Saelemaekers has also returned, revitalised after loan spells at Bologna and Roma. Among the new signings, Ricci, De Winter, Saelemaekers, Rabiot, and the second goalkeeper Terracciano all have a deep knowledge of Serie A. A notable detail: they don’t need time to settle in and understand Italy football.

Athekame and Odogu, on the other hand, are promising investments, quality youngsters who should be developed without excessive haste, as happened with Thiaw and Kalulu. Then there’s Nkunku, who is considered a top player coming off a bad year, but who was wanted by Champions League clubs.

The wage bill has increased by 10%, a sign that Milan wants to invest in their sporting project. Total wages could decrease in the coming days if Bennacer and Adli find a place in the still open markets, from Saudi Arabia to Turkey.

There’s more: now the club no longer has contracts that it would have had to renew quickly, like those of Hernandez and Thiaw, but longer contracts with players who can have a significant career at the Rossoneri. The management’s belief is that they’ve ‘done the best they can’. Now it’s over to Allegri.