AC Milan’s squad has shown itself to be not up to task in the Scudetto battle, so some changes are needed in the summer.
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As La Gazzetta dello Sport report, when a season takes a turn for the worse and snatches away dreams of glory, it becomes almost automatic to put the team under the microscope. One opinion though is unanimous: Milan’s squad is not big enough.
Numerical factor
Next season, Milan should play in Europe (they are on course to at least anyway) and therefore the number of players at Milanello will need to be increased. How can the squad be improved?
Within the current 3-5-2, the most delicate positions, there are four areas to address. First is the striker, then there are the two wing-back positions, and finally the centre-backs.
The centre-forward spot has been a problem Milan has have struggling with for years, addressed first with Zlatan Ibrahimović and then with Olivier Giroud, but the club haven’t addressed the issue beyond the short-term.
When Milan have tried, it has flopped (Santiago Gimenez). Allegri has reshuffled the deck several times, partly by choice and mostly out of necessity, but the resort to Niclas Füllkrug’s loan arrival is clear evidence of how deficient the position is.
On the right flank – behind the undisputed starter Alexis Saelemaekers – is Zachary Athekame, an interesting but immature profile. He needs to develop more slowly and not have excessive responsibilities when the Scudetto or Champions League are at stake.
Even on the left, the position is half-performing. Davide Bartesaghi has snatched the starting spot from Pervis Estupinan, but Estupinan isn’t proving up to the task whenever he’s called upon.
Finally, one of the three spots ahead of Maignan requires a centre-back of depth and experience. These are the primary needs. A team aiming for the title and a respectable European campaign must raise the level of its reserve players.
Projections and ideas
In February, it’s difficult to imagine the team’s shape this summer. But some reflections on the current roster are warranted. In defence, the loan departure of David Odogu seems a given, having had useful experience around the squad but with only 16 minutes of action.
It’s reasonable to assume that an experienced center back will replace him, offering a credible alternative alongside Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Strahinja Pavlovic and Koni De Winter.
The midfield revolves around the big question mark: Luka Modric. Modric will communicate his intentions for next season by the end of the season, and the management will act accordingly. Of the other midfielders, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is the most likely to leave.
Reiterating the doubts surrounding Athekame and Estupinan, the situation in attack remains rather fluid. It’s difficult to make a definitive statement about a name with a clear certainty of staying.
Rafael Leao seems the most ‘settled’ player, but he’s not considered completely unsellable. Christian Pulisic’s contract is expiring in 2026, and much, if not everything, will depend on whether he signs a contract that’s slow to be finalised.
There are widespread doubts about Christopher Nkunku, the club is likely looking for a buyer for Santi Gimenez, and Füllkrug is fighting for a permanent stay (not a given, even if the fee is negligible) over the final three months.