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With the Scudetto a possibility this season, AC Milan could certainly aid a push with January investment. However, it seems unlikely.
Ahead of the January mercato, there have been a few suggestions about what the winter could look like. Very few of them have suggested that there will be spending on a noticeable level for Milan, though.
Given the lack of European football, it is understandable, especially after a big summer. Nevertheless, with the Scudetto in view, the aid of reinforcement could be significant.
Investment nowhere to be seen
Despite this, Gerry Cardinale is reportedly unwilling to sanction an expensive mid-season spending, and Andrea Longoni has questioned why in an editorial for MilanNews.
“AC Milan’s standings speak volumes and tell us that Massimiliano Allegri has produced a masterpiece so far. He’s practically never had Pulisic and Leao together, and his alternatives have definitely not been up to par.
“In short, he’s without a true striker. He’s got a truncated squad, with obvious gaps and a limited backline. He’s also without a star defensive player, and he’s also lacking a solid replacement for Theo, who arrived on the market: he’s brought in Bartesaghi, who last year, remember, played for Milan Futuro (today an extraordinary surprise).
“Objectively, what more could you ask of him? Nothing. Not even, at the moment, a sparkling game.
“For this, we’ll need to get all the players back to their best condition. Regardless of the transfer window, we’ll get there; the hope is that Leao and Pulisic can overcome their physical challenges.
“Both teams’ seasons have been and still are troubled in this regard; nevertheless, their numbers are extraordinary. Imagine what they could achieve playing together (they’ve only done so once) and in top form.
“AC Milan, nearing the halfway point of the season, is fighting for the Scudetto. Could they fight to the end even without a noteworthy transfer window? Perhaps, but it would require another near-miracle from the coach and his staff.
“The team always exists on a precarious balance between absences, gaps, and physical issues: it’s always an incredible obstacle course.
“Another question: Would the team have a better chance of winning the title with a targeted transfer market? Absolutely. And this is where the club’s ambition will be measured.”
Of course, there can be flashbacks to last season, but there can also be looks back at Allegri’s first Rossoneri season. Without that help in January, would their fate have been the same? Can Cardinale afford to ask himself that question in the future about now?
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