Sales, signings and returns: What Milan must do before August for best chance this season

This season will be tough for AC Milan. As much as the excitement is there, they still have a lot to do this month.

So far, Milan’s summer has been almost flawless. They have recruited in key areas, whilst also getting the ball rolling on a few departures. In other words, they are heading in the right direction, but there are a few things that need to occur for us to be fully convinced about the idea of a strong season.

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Now, that is not to say that we are worried – in fact, we’re far from that – however, there are a few niggling issues that we’d like to see sorted/solved this month.

Sell to buy

The big thing regards the sales. So far, there has been a lot spent and whilst that’s good, the budget requires sales to be made, too. Indeed, there is a €250 million budget, but around €150m is expected in sales.

So, without some big sales, we may not see anyone really arrive anytime soon. In other words, pieces need to start coming together for moves away. We’re looking at the Rafael Leaos, the Santiago Gimenezs and even the Ruben Loftus-Cheeks.

Money adds up, especially at the bracket which Leao is in, but even a few €20m sales would go a long way to help boost the squad forward.

More through the door?

Then, a few more signings would be needed. In a few areas, you don’t really have to rush. For example, the signing of Goncalo Inacio – if it is to happen – can be left a little bit, thanks to his understanding of the sytem.

Say for someone like Konstantinos Karetsas, though, you need them through the door soon. A player like that may have the perfect profile, but it may take a bit of time to get him to understand the system and his role within it.

Even with a midfielder or wing-back, they may need longer than someone with experience of the system. So, these key positions must be recruited sooner rather than later, just so there is the opportunity to embed them into the squad during pre-season.

This part comes with a caveat, though, and that is that sales will be required. So, this is more of a step-by-step thing, rather than a do this tomorrow and the sales next week.

Returning soon?

Finally, having returns in the door sooner rather than later would be appreciated – and we’re factoring Luka Modric into this category, too. Of course, some players will require a little longer before they return.

However, seeing players who did not play much football over the summer – or who were knocked out early – returning in the next two weeks would only be a good thing. Allowing them to adjust to the new system will be needed, so the sooner they return, the better.

A reality check

We’re not naive in saying that this will all happen in the next two weeks. If the Diavolo are done with the mercato this month, we’d be somewhat worried. Nevertheless, if a No.10 joins as well as another centre-back – or even if they are on the verge of arriving – as well as a departure or two. We’d be ecstatic.

Put simply, Milan are already in a fantastic position ahead of the new season, but there are just a few things that could tick the squad towards being in the best position possible. A bit of a dream scenario, yes, but one that could certainly play out.

We shall have to see.