AC Milan hope that when the final whistle goes in their last game of 2026-27, they will be celebrating a Champions League return.
La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) write that a sold-out San Siro crowd will push the team toward their big goal of the season: a top four finish. It is a game that will shape the club’s future, as well as that of more than one player.
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Tomorrow, the Rossoneri will conclude their training retreat at Milanello, a decision shared by coach and team. Niclas Füllkrug has no doubts about his fate, as he won’t be bought from West Ham for €5m. The German striker started well but hasn’t delivered as expected.
Tomorrow he has the chance to bid farewell to San Siro with a final flourish, although he’s not guaranteed a starting spot. He’ll compete with Santiago Gimenez, another striker in the balance. If he doesn’t score against Cagliari, El Bebote will finish the season without a single league goal.
What about Rafa?
And speaking of forwards, Rafael Leao’s future will be more uncertain than ever in the coming weeks. The Portuguese, returning from suspension, is expected to start on the bench against the Sardinians, but it’s highly likely that Massimiliano Allegri will throw him on during the match.
Thus, Milan-Cagliari risks becoming his last game in red and black. It’s no secret that the management are ready to consider potential offers for him, with Manchester United and Fenerbahçe having recently enquired.
Saying Leao is on the market isn’t heresy, though it will obviously depend on the size of the offers. Currently, however, the feeling is that Leao is more likely to leave than stay, and not just in the management’s minds.
His last three appearances at San Siro (versus Udinese, Juventus and Atalanta) all ended with him coming off to jeers. Milan not winning didn’t help him but Rafa is a sensitive guy and the hostile attitude of his home fans didn’t leave him indifferent.
He experienced unrepeatable emotions with the Rossoneri. He has scored 80 goals for the club, making him the 15th-top scorer in the club’s history. He won the Serie A MVP title in 2021-22 and has become a father, but football lives in the present.
The others
They may not have left their mark like Leao, but the match against Cagliari could also be a last dance for Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Pervis Estupinan and Youssouf Fofana.
The English centre-back – along with Leao, Mike Maignan, Matteo Gabbia and Alexis Saelemaekers – is one of the survivors of ‘Maldini’s’ Milan. He played extensively under Allegri, but his contract expiring in 2027 and his recent below-average performances leave a big question mark.
Loftus-Cheek, who also shares his compatriot’s contractual situation, will also miss out on the World Cup as neither were called up. His departure, however, seems even more obvious, despite the fact that his €4m net salary is not exactly easy to attract suitors.
Estupinan was one of the season’s biggest flops, quickly overtaken in the pecking order by Davide Bartesaghi. It’s unlikely he’ll get another season to prove himself.
The situation is different for Fofana, who already has a few suitors, especially in Turkey. He’s been a regular starter, but his relationship with Max has never really taken off, and Milan believe they can take a step forward in that role this summer. He is expected to leave, but not for any price.
Leave Fofana alone, for Christ’s sake. Odogu, Estupinan, Loftus-Cheek, Leao and Gimenez!
Odogu is a developmental player. Must be kept.
Leave fofana alone how. I keep wondering how fofana became a professional football player. We have never had it worse than this.
How old are you, ten?
Never really understood the hate for him. He’s a good footballer, sure he can’t shoot, but he has had more good games than bad. A Mid three of Rabiot – Fofana – Tonali would be immense.
Exactly.
Last season Fofana had more assists than any other DM in the top 5 European Leagues. Yes, he’s not exactly a good DM and his finishing is terrible, but he is a brilliant ball carrier and a brilliant passer. He breaks the lines. This season he has the same number of goals and assists as Modric. He’s nowhere near as bad as people say he is.
You are a part if the reason Milan is down. Do you understand how a footballer plays his role?
He has no intelligence on positioning, one dimensional, no technique, can’t shoot, no creativity, all he has is muscles that does nothing for the team. He should be sold ASAP.
You haven’t actually watched Milan play. Stop making a show of yourself.
Fofana has to go. He adds no value to the team. Clumsy with the ball and often stuffs up. He doesn’t cut it at Milan ….may be better of with another club.
Fofana is the best worst player i have seen in my life. He can act like prime Maradona until the most important moment, then he is like a division 6 player.
Parasites like Loftus, Estupinian and the Mexican together with Leao should be thrown out
Odogu as well.
Leave Odogu to develop. Not sure why you have it out for him with so many other question marks on this team.
He can develop somewhere else, there are so many clubs, we need fully formed players, not semi-products.
Settle down, child. How are they parasites??!?! Origi was a parasite. The others are professionals who tried their best for the club.
Why are any players parasites???
Yeah, I sincerely hope we get rid of parasites like you. People like you are worthless.
You low IQ always picking up fights with others who don’t agree with your opinion and don’t match your thoughts. You should check at brain doctor to see if have brain cells left in your re*arded brain.
No technique? Go kill yourself ASAP.
”You are desperately begging for attention by trying to insult people. It’s pathetic. Seek professional psychiatric help for your inferiority complex, you look absolutely miserable. Every time you comment, the average human IQ drops. You have no logic, no argument, just pure stupidity and insecurity. Do everyone a favor and shut your mouth. You and Max are like two brain cells fighting for second place. Re*ard, low IQ.”
FOFANA JE ODLIČNA ZAMJENA AKO BUDEMO MEĐU PRVA 4 ! Nikako ne prva postava