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In addition to signings, AC Milan have dedicated a lot of focus to sales this summer and the situation is becoming clearer with regards to the exit-linked players.
As highlighted by Gazzetta dello Sport this morning (see photo below), Milan’s task this season isn’t just to bring in new players, but also to revitalise those that struggled in 2024-25. Max Allegri accepted that challenge, and it seems the players did too based on the atmosphere at Milanello in recent weeks.
Of course, this has affected things on the mercato, with several players keen on proving themselves rather than just ‘giving up’ and accepting a sale. Still, Milan are keeping the doors open for these players, even if some have stronger cases than others.
Loftus-Cheek impresses Allegri
Loftus-Cheek, in many ways, is the symbol of Milan’s need for revitalisation. He scored ten goals in the 2023-24 but didn’t even get a single one in 2024-25, held back by injuries and a subsequent lack of consistency in his training.
In Allegri’s eyes, the Englishman is almost a perfect midfielder because he has the size, length, solidity in aerial duels and the right timing in his runs. So far, he has done well in training as he was one of the best in the fitness tests, and he’s hoping to convince Allegri to start him.
Thiaw eyes starting spot
Moving on to Malick Thiaw, he rejected a move to Como despite Milan accepting an offer, while a couple of inquiries from the Premier League were also turned down. Only a big Bundesliga team would change his mind, so for now, he intends to stay.
Again, like Loftus-Cheek, he has impressed so far and he’s convinced that he can earn a starting spot down the line. He also knows that unless a centre-back is sold, there won’t be any reinforcements for the position, so he won’t be ‘forced’ to leave.
Saelemaekers certain to stay
Unlike Loftus-Cheek and Thiaw, Alexis Saelemaekers doesn’t just have one good season to rely on but rather two, first on loan at Bologna and then on loan at Roma. He scored seven goals and provided seven assists last season, which was enough to convince Milan to keep him.
Allegri wants to make the most of his versatility, allowing him to play both high and low down the pitch. It was more or less confirmed already at the end of May, but Allegri’s arrival has certainly fueled Saelemaekers’ position at the club.
Duo eager to prove themselves
Samuel Chukwueze and Santiago Gimenez are both incredibly eager to prove themselves. Starting with the Nigerian, he has never really lived up to the expectations and with Fulham expressing an interest, Milan are willing to sell him this summer.
That being said, the winger wants to be given a ‘second chance’ by Allegri and he will get it during the pre-season. As for Gimenez, he knows that another No.9 is on the way but he’s been very enthusiastic about the season to come, expected to join the team in the coming weeks.
Morata and Vasquez
Finally, Alvaro Morata is currently on loan at Galatasaray but as Victor Osimhen is closing in on a permanent move to the Turkish side, the Spaniard could be given the green light to leave. If so, he will sign for Como, who have an agreement with Milan at €10m.
Between the sticks, Devis Vasquez has returned from his loan spell at Empoli and with his residual value at practically zero, Milan are considering terminating his contract. A decision will be made in the final days, but no offers have arrived for him so far.
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