Gerry Cardinale has made it clear that Adrien Rabiot isn’t on the list of players who could leave AC Milan this summer, as highlighted by a report.
Yesterday, it was reported by Matteo Moretto that there has been some interest in Rabiot, following what was a strong 2025-26 season and a good campaign with France in the World Cup so far. However, it seems the matter has already been decided
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According to today’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo at the bottom), the Milan owner Cardinale wants to keep Rabiot. He definitely doesn’t want to send him to Napoli and thus strengthen Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
Clear message from Milan
The French midfielder, who will miss the Raduno tomorrow due to the World Cup, will shift focus to the 2026-27 season on the 20th, the day after the final. Then he will have time to reflect on his future and the best next steps.
However, Cardinale and Milan’s stance is clear: even if the player were to ask for an exit (which isn’t a given) or if some club wanted him at all costs (not just Napoli are interested), they won’t be backed into a corner, holding their ground.
In midfield, there are others who can pack their bags (Fofana, Ricci, and Loftus-Cheek) or who have yet to decide their future (Modric). A return to the Champions League may not have materialised, but that’s not enough to convince Cardinale to sell one of the best players of last season (6 goals and 5 assists in 29 Serie A appearances).
The owner and Ruben Amorim both believe that Rabiot can still be crucial. Of course, to see him at Milanello, we will have to wait until after the holidays that he will be entitled to after the World Cup adventure. It will be after the team’s return from the tour in Australia and Indonesia, as such.
There’s a long time to go, and a lot can happen in the transfer market. However, Milan’s direction is clear, and even Rabiot doesn’t currently appear to be considering a move away. Not to mention that he has a significant contract, which expires in 2028.
Amorim presents the role
Cardinale’s stubbornness in this case is also influenced by Amorim, who is crazy about Rabiot. The Portuguese coach has already reserved a spot for the Frenchman: he will be one of the two midfielders in a 3-4-2-1.
It’s the same that Didier Deschamps tailored for him in the current World Cup. In other words, fewer runs and more coverage. No longer a midfielder, but a central midfielder who fights and tackles. Is he experiencing a preview of his Rossoneri future with Les Bleus? We will soon find out.
It remains to be seen when. Allegri is watching with interest because, after coaching him in Turin and Milan, he would like to have him with him at Stadio Maradona as well. The problem is that Cardinale has no intention of doing Max a favour…
Good move…keep Rabiot at all cost.