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AC Milan are heading into the January window with the opportunity to potentially do business that will boost the Scudetto hopes.
Milan made the conscious decision to go into the 2025-26 campaign with just 19 senior outfield players. It was mostly guided by the fact that there was no European competition to contend with, resulting in a streamlining of the squad led by Igli Tare.
At various points this season, Massimiliano Allegri has been forced to name a bench with only a few first-team players, due to injury issues depleting already minimal depth. Thus, the general consensus is that business is needed in January.
The necessary moves
Going into the winter window, there are some obvious gaps in the squad that Tare and co. will be looking to address. In fact, they have already ticked one of the objectives off before it has even opened.
Niclas Fullkrug landed in Italy a few days ago and is in training with the team. Milan were looking for a No.9 with certain characteristics, and Allegri was immediately satisfied. The German striker can play from January 2, but more additions might follow.
First of all, a central defender who can ideally play in the middle and on either side in the three-man defence feels necessary. Koni De Winter responded well after his struggles, but another defender with some experience could help give a bit more depth and security.
Even though Milan only signed Zachary Athekame and Pervis Estupinan in the summer, a back-up for Alexis Saelemaekers who can also alternate with Bartesaghi on the left could be useful, again perhaps someone with experience and versatility.
Danger of doing too much
Cast your minds back 12 months ago, to when Milan decided to sack Paulo Fonseca and replace him with Sergio Conceicao. That in itself was a seismic mid-season change, but then further chaos ensued in the mercato.
Milan completed five signings including the likes of Riccardo Sottil, Joao Felix, Santiago Gimenez, Kyle Walker and Warren Bondo. On the flip side, even more players departed in somewhat of a cull at the halfway point. The results were not good, as the Rossoneri went from eighth to eighth.
This winter must be about targeted additions for Milan, without subtractions. The talk of Christopher Nkunku leaving – just after his first league goals for the club – and another striker arriving is once again circulating in the media, which would mean half-changing the attack.
Then there are also rumours about various swap deals, including potentially sending Samuele Ricci to Juventus in order to get Federico Gatti. Again, it feels like veering into the area of too much movement.
Milan should not do business just for the sake of it. Naturally there are economic constraints to operate within, which might make it hard to fill every gap (even though loans are an option). The big mission will come in the summer to flesh out the depth, hopefully with Champions League in the bag.
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