With the news of Massimiliano Allegri’s return to AC Milan, the next steps are to decide who will be staying for the new era.
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Allegri is not new to being linked with a move back to Milan. In fact, the Italian’s name has been regularly linked on the past two occasions of the Rossoneri searching for a head coach. However, no move ever occurred.
Instead, the club opted for Paulo Fonseca, and then Sergio Conceicao. This did not stop the former Juventus man from making plans, though. As Calciomercato.com reports, the head coach made plans in January for the squad, and his ideas are already there to study.
It starts with Rafael Leao, who will be a key part of his squad, in a role much like Paulo Dybala – think how he was to Gonzalo Higuain or even the winger’s Portuguese teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. Then, another star will be saved in the form of Mike Maignan, whose future has seemed to be heading away from the Diavolo. Finally, Youssouf Fofana would be a ‘balancer’.
Christian Pulisic and Alexis Saelemaekers could also play important roles in his 4-2-3-1 system, whilst the names of Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic, who are both seen as pillars, are more likely to feature than Fikayo Tomori and Malick Thiaw.
In fact, in terms of possible outgoings, it starts with Thiaw, who is ‘always heading towards an exit’. Theo Hernandez, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Samuel Chukwueze could also be due to leave this summer, though further assessments will be needed.
Tijjani Reijnders, hypothetically, would be ‘fundamental’ for the Italian. However, he has regularly reaffirmed that he works on the wishes of the club. If the Dutchman needs to leave, then he will seek the best possible replacement.