After years of aiming to regain the top spot in Serie A and make a deeper mark in Europe, the year 2025 is shaping up to be the window that has set the direction for the next chapter in Milan’s history.
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There is a rush of fresh signings, big names linked with the Rossoneri, and some seriously bold talk about what might happen next. From Luka Modrić walking into the San Siro to rumours of more major arrivals, Milan is trying to remain smart and calculated.
Let’s dive into what is going on with the confirmed business done, the players coming or going, and what it all means.
A recap
Luka Modrić: The headliner is, of course, the arrival of Luka Modrić from Real Madrid. A move nobody saw coming. He joins Milan on what appears to be a free transfer after refusing a one-year renewal from Madrid. At 39 he still has magic in his boots. His vision and control of midfield play can change any match. The only question is how long he can keep going at a high level.
Samuele Ricci: Milan has also done work elsewhere. Samuele Ricci has joined from Torino with a price tag reported around €35m. Pervis Estupiñán has arrived from Brighton and looks set to bolster the left side after Theo’s exit concerns early in the window. Young Swiss midfielder Ardon Jashari signed on too and is expected to be eased into the rotation. Defender Koni De Winter also joined to give depth in the back line.
Tijjani Reijnders: As for departures, it is becoming a summer of rebalancing. Tijjani Reijnders’ move to Manchester City was expected, and his fee of around €55m gives Milan flexibility.
Pierre Kalulu: Kalulu also waved goodbye on a permanent deal, with Juventus grabbing him as part of their rebuild. These exits signal that Milan is not afraid to sell if the offer is right and the replacements are lined up.
The club has reportedly made over €100m in outgoing transfers so far. Some deals include add-ons; some are simply labelled as undisclosed. What matters is Milan is moving quickly and not waiting for late window panic.
What Milan are trying to fix
You do not need to be a coach to see what Milan are trying to do. Last season was decent, but it left a lot of questions. The team lacked spark in big matches and its midfield structure fell apart at times. What we are seeing now is a mixture of early moves, planned exits and a bit of patience to land the right player, not just any player.
The priority has clearly been strengthening the defensive core and adding leadership in midfield. Signing Modrić shows Milan want someone who can dictate tempo in tough Champions League matches. Bringing in Estupiñán also points to a focus on balancing attack and defence on the flanks.
This is also about strengthening the Italian identity of the club. There is talk that Milan is aiming to increase homegrown influence just like they did in the past. The board seems fine with selling high-value foreign assets if it means bringing in talented young Italians for the long term. And the financial side matters too. Reports say Milan could reach over 200 million in sales by the end of 2025.
Future transfer targets
The rumour mill is always working overtime this time of year especially when Milan is involved. Some names are wild; some make sense. There are whispers that Milan may try to lure Robert Lewandowski if Barcelona decides to refresh their squad. That one is doubtful but not impossible.
Closer to earth is the battle for Oumar Solet. The French defender is wanted by Inter as well and this transfer derby could get heated. The centre-back lineup is not fully settled right now, so it would make sense for Milan to push hard if needed.
As for Barcelona’s involvement, there are no major offers reported yet for Milan players. Some Spanish outlets are tracking Rafael Leão with Barca scouts but nothing concrete. Still, these situations change quickly and Milan must be ready.
Football insiders like to mention that Milan’s transfer shortlist for 2025–26includes younger, energetic midfielders plus one experienced forward if Giroud moves on. But nothing is signed yet.
What the Modric move means
Let us pause for a moment here. Luka Modrić is actually a Milan player. Just saying it feels unreal. He arrives not just as a midfielder but as a symbol. A Ballon d’Or winner giving his final football years to the Rossoneri. His move is more than a gesture; it is part of the strategy.
Milan’s midfield has recently lacked control in tight situations. With Modrić beside players like Loftus Cheek or Musah, there is now balance. He is playing deeper, dictating the tempo. Whatever the case, his presence will influence others around him, not just in games but in training every day.
Of course the club has not revealed his exact contract details. Likely one year with an option perhaps performance-based. What matters is Milan did not spend on his fee and instead secured one of the smartest football brains of this era.
Who might leave?
Not all news is happy though. Rafael Leão is constantly linked with moves abroad. Bayern Munich or Atletico Madrid are said to be monitoring. For now Milan has not opened any talks but the noise will get louder if a mega offer pops up.
There are also whispers about young players leaving on loan. David Odogu and some Milan Futuro players might get temporary moves to develop. With the Europa League or Champions League running every matchday, the squad needs depth but not overload.
Funds from high-profile exits could be reinvested. Milan has not ruled out a big-name sale to finance a striker or advanced midfielder before the window shuts.
Implications for betting markets and wider football ecosystem
For fans this is exciting if also a little stressful. For anyone interested in betting, this is the window that might shake odds. A team with Modrić and Estupiñán plus potentially another forward is a stronger Milan than the one we saw last season.
Markets may shift especially if Milan nails their final signings. A deeper European run could be possible. Title odds could tighten. But do not get carried away with rumours. Always check confirmed club updates before thinking of placing wagers or tracking squad dynamics. For those exploring the football betting landscape platforms like online football betting offer odds that move with big transfers, so always monitor squad news closely.
For now we wait. Milan has done smart business no doubt more is coming before the deadline. The season ahead is shaping up to be something to watch.