We have now entered the final month of the summer transfer window and one could argue that AC Milan are running behind, both on the incoming and the outgoing front. For the latter, it has been surprisingly quiet in the last few weeks.
Milan’s strategy for this summer transfer window has been clear from the start, wanting to improve the squad with targeted signings. However, Zlatan Ibrahimovic also made it clear in July that the Rossoneri need to trim down the squad and there are some obvious candidates in that sense.
However, as mentioned, it has been very quiet on this front and the question is if Milan are running behind schedule. Of course, many transfers (especially departures) tend to happen late on, but the lack of concrete movement so far is worrying.
Unwanted midfielders
Starting in the middle on the pitch, Milan currently find themselves in a bit of a tricky position. Talks with Monaco over Youssouf Fofana are still ongoing and there is no agreement in sight, looking like this could perhaps be closed very late.
As a result, it has perhaps put the departures of Yacine Adli and Tommaso Pobega on hold a bit, even if everyone knows that they aren’t part of Paulo Fonseca’s plans. Saudi Arabian have expressed interest in the former, who continues to refuse that option, while some English clubs have also enquired about a potential loan move.
Milan are not keen on letting the Frenchman go on loan, so they are still waiting for the player to re-evaluate his future. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a move to Saudi Arabia, but Adli expressing some form of willingness to depart can go a long way.
As for Pobega, Milan attempted to insert him in the negotiations with Udinese over Lazar Samardzic, but the Fruili side rejected this idea. Bologna are also keeping an eye on the 25-year-old and the feeling is that it will be easier to find a new club for him.
The banished duo
Shifting focus from the potential departures, Fode Ballo-Toure and Divock Origi can certainly be considered as certain ones. Don’t get us wrong, finding a new club for each of these two is far from an easy task and Milan experienced that already last season.
A recent report stated that the full-back is on the radar of Ipswich, who will compete in the Premier League this season, as well as some Championship sides. A return to England thus appears likely but just like last summer, it could come down to the final day of the transfer window.
Origi, meanwhile, is also hoping for another season in England but unlike Ballo-Toure, there have been no offers for the Belgian striker. Only in Turkey has there been concrete interest but the player continues to refuse this option, which is causing a headache for Milan.
Most likely, Milan will terminate Origi’s contract by mutual consent, which also should help the player reach an agreement elsewhere. It makes sense as he arrived on a free transfer – with no transfer fee to recoup – and the Rossoner would also save over €5m in gross wages.