Defeat in the Coppa Italia final means that Milan’s best route into Europe has vanished, and now some major alterations are coming.
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As Quotidiano Sportivo writes, a Conference League spot now represents the most realistic, tenuous, uncomfortable possibility. Giorgio Furlani stated last Friday: “There will not be a change of strategies dictated by the urgency of not being in the Champions League.”
However, other people’s plans will change. Tijjani Reijnders for example is being courted by Real Madrid but above all Manchester City who have placed the Dutchman at the top of their wish list. An initial offer of €50m is being touted, but more will be needed.
The Mike Maignan issue is different. He has a contract expiring in June 2026, and an agreement for a renewal was found (€5m until 2028), but since then silence. The same deadline applies to Theo Hernandez, and the offer accepted from Como in January showed Milan’s stance.
Then, the unknowns. Rafael Leao first and foremost. The Portuguese is locked up until 2028, with a release clause valid for the first half of July worth €175m. Chelsea, Arsenal and Al Nassr have followed him and are following him, with an eye on the openings that could open up.
Christian Pulisic’s 17 goals (plus 12 assists) will also be tempting, in the Premier League of course, where the American has already played. A renewal seemed imminent, if it arrives it will be among the cornerstones of the reconstruction, together with Gabbia, Fofana, Leao himself and Gimenez.
Already certain to say goodbye are Joao Felix and Kyle Walker, who arrived on loan in January from Chelsea and City. Tammy Abraham is expected to go with Alexis Saelemaekers returning, then Malick Thiaw is wanted back in his homeland (Bayer Leverkusen above all).
Then, those who were already close to leaving in January could still go: Emerson Royal (one step away from Galatasaray), Tomori (Aston Villa and Tottenham were in advanced talks), Chukwueze (Fulham sought him at the last minute). In short, a revolution.