With just six games to go in the season and a top four spot to secure, the AC Milan management are busy planning for the future.
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As Calciomercato.com recall, Massimiliano Allegri spoke at a press conference on the eve of the match and focused on three key themes: restoring harmony, earning a place in the 2026-27 Champions League and planning for the future.
Understandably, it was this last topic that attracted the most questions from reporters, following a week filled with rumours regarding both the idea that Allegri and certain key players (Rafael Leao above all) could leave before next season.
The coach – fully consistent with the communication strategy he’s adopted since the start of the season – reiterated that his primary focus is on moving forward with the project he began last summer, without wanting to compromise on certainties. So, how might the squad change?
Goalkeepers
Mike Maignan recently renewed with a salary of €5m net per season plus €2m in bonuses, so he will certainly remain. Pietro Terracciano is also in the running for a contract extension for another season with Milan as the deputy.
Lorenzo Torriani could leave for more playing time, even if he’s offered a starting spot with Milan Futuro in Serie C (there is a strong possibility of promotion for the second team), while Matteo Pittarella will certainly stay.
Defence
Allegri has implicit trust in Matteo Gabbia and will make him a cornerstone of the defence for the future. Max is also pushing for the renewals of Strahinja Pavlovic and Fikayo Tomori, but neither is certain to remain at AC Milan because much will depend on the transfer market.
David Odogu will go on loan, while Pervis Estupinan has largely disappointed and the club want to recoup the €19m they gave Brighton last season. Davide Bartesaghi is a firm favourite and is certain to stay, while Koni De Winter has a good chance of staying too.
Midfield
Luka Modric is considering his future, and among the conditions for him to remain at Milan is that Allegri stays, with whom he has established an excellent relationship in every respect. Adrien Rabiot is strongly tied to the Livorno-born manager too an he will stay.
It is a different story for Youssouf Fofana and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who will be put on the market. Samuele Ricci is will definitely remain because he’s also useful for the squad list, while for Ardon Jashari things are up in the air after a tough year one.
Attack
The attacking department has suffered the most in this first season of Allegri’s second spell, and this trend is having repercussions ahead of the summer: none of the five forwards currently in the squad can be said to be certain of staying in Milan next season.
Despite the difficulties of recent months, Christian Pulisic remains the forward with the highest chance of staying, following by Santiago Gimenez. Niclas Fullkrug will not be bought out and will return to London, while Milan is open to listening to offers for Rafael Leao and Christopher Nkunku.