Ricci is ready to start his new adventure with AC Milan, having been announced by the club, and details have now emerged on his contract as well as the bonuses for Torino.
Samuele Ricci was announced by Milan yesterday and with no time to waste, he arrived at Milanello earlier this morning for the fitness tests with some of his new teammates. As highlighted by Gazzetta dello Sport this morning (see photo below), he could become a very important player.
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Details on contract and bonuses
The medical tests took place yesterday, and after passing those, Ricci signed a contract until 2029 with an option for an additional year. He will earn €2m plus bonuses and Milan paid €23m to Torino, plus an additional €1.5m in bonuses.
As the newspaper continues, the bonuses will be triggered in three instalments of €500k each. Every season (but max three) Milan finish in the top four and Ricci plays at least 50% of the Serie A games, €500k will be paid to Torino.
The midfielder will wear the No.4 shirt, which was last worn by Ismael Bennacer, but most fans will think of players like Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, Zvone Boban and Demetrio Albertini when they think about that shirt. In other words, a ‘heavy’ choice by Ricci.
Yesterday, Ricci met Max Allegri at Casa Milan and they had a quick chat about the future. The official presentation, meanwhile, is scheduled for next week and the head coach already considers the No.4 a key for the team.
Ricci’s expected position
With the arrival of Ricci, and soon also Luka Modric, Allegri has big plans for the midfield. Negotiations are still ongoing for Club Brugge’s Ardon Jashari but if he were to arrive as well, it’s clear that the department would be more or less complete.
Allegri is expected to use Ricci as a defensive midfielder, positioning him in front of the defence, as this is a role he has covered both at Torino and with the national team. If necessary, he could also be used as a mezz’ala at times.
In the build-up phase, Allegri hopes that the No.4 can guarantee the fluidity that was lacking in the 2024-25 season for Milan. The stats at Torino seem to suggest that Ricci can handle it, although the manager wants to see more growth.
good signing
Good bonus structure, based on him playing and UCL qualification
If Jashari comes, who plays where?
Clearly Modric will not play all the time, but for example in a 4/3/3 that people believe we will now play, how are Fofana/Jashari/Ricci lining up?
Are we certain it’s not still a 4/2/3/1?
I expect it would be a default of Jashari/Ricci/Fofana with Modric rotating around them and RLC getting good time if fit. Still think it’s very 4-3-3 energy, but depends on the full back situation. If we get a left wingback then 3-5-2 would arguably make sense but I can’t see that working with Leao and Pulisic.
It’s a midfield lineup that makes most sense. I don’t think Max will use 4-2-3-1, but you never know. Seeing the type of midfielders we got and going after, 4-3-3 seems most logical choice.
Issue is, he won’t be the first to think “Leao should be good in a 4 3 3” and be very wrong. Rafa’s favourite type of cross/pass is into the no10 position or to the back post curling in, hence Reijnders’ goals.
The reason I asked is because both Ricci and Jashari seem to be defensive no.6 type roles. We have used Fofana like that all season but clearly he can play more box to box.
As a three man midfield two of them will be playing on one side of the pitch (not saying they can’t do it) and whilst if feels like we are adding some quality players to midfield, it feels very defensive (clearly Allegri will love it).
I’m sure it will reduce the goals we are conceding but against all the teams that sit back and counter us I hope we can get the goals.
Bro, Ricci is the new expensive bench option replacing outgoing expensive bench option Musah. Knowing Allergic Modric will start. Neither Ricci nor Jashari are true no 6 DM type players.