AC Milan recently completed the signing of Aurélien Guernier, an acquisition that may go under the radar but has big potential.
Earlier in the week, it was confirmed that Milan had completed the signing of Guernier from Birmingham City, a team in the second division in England, the Championship. According to the BBC and other sources, they wanted to keep him but were unable to agree terms.
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Guernier had been yet to make his senior debut for the Blues, though he was included in the squad in for their 1-0 Championship win over QPR. It is believed there was interest from Europe and in the Premier League but the Rossoneri’s proposal proved to be a winning one.
The teenager is initially expected to link up with Milan Futuro and play for the B-team, though he is at the age where a quick breakout is possible, as seen with the likes of Francesco Camarda and Davide Bartesaghi. What can fans expect? Rohit Rajeev took a look into the winger.
Aurélien Guernier: Tactical profile
Guernier follows England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham and his brother Jobe as the latest Birmingham academy products to depart for a European giant, though a lot less is known about the latest addition.
Based on the profile and statistical output, Aurélien Gurneier appears to be a direct, ball-carrying wide player whose game is built around progression through dribbling rather than distribution.
His passing volume is relatively low at 15.07 passes per game, while his long-pass numbers (0.89) and forward passing output are modest, suggesting he is not a player who dictates possession or acts as a creative hub from deeper areas. Instead, he prefers receiving the ball and driving forward himself.
The standout aspect of his game is his dribbling. Averaging 3.99 successful dribbles per game alongside 1.92 progressive runs, Gurneier consistently looks to eliminate opponents through individual actions.
Technically, he often takes his first touch with the inside of his foot to secure possession before accelerating into space. When carrying the ball, he frequently uses the bridge/outside of his foot to push the ball forward, allowing him to maintain close control at speed and change direction quickly.
His attacking intent is further reflected by 13.29 offensive duels per game, 1.6 touches inside the penalty area, and 1.46 passes into the box.
He is constantly looking to engage defenders, attack space, and create danger in advanced areas. His 1.5 accurate crosses per game also indicate an ability to provide service from wide positions.
Defensively, he contributes actively with 8.12 defensive duels and 3.73 opposition-half recoveries, showing a willingness to press and work without the ball. However, his aggressive ball-carrying style comes with risk, evidenced by 8.75 losses in his own half per game.
Overall, Guernier profiles as a high-volume dribbler and transition-focused winger who thrives by carrying the ball into dangerous areas rather than controlling games through passing.
His ability to beat defenders, progress play through runs, and contribute defensively makes him an effective outlet in systems that value directness, pressing, and vertical attacking football.
We asked Birmingham City supporter Kieran for their reaction to the news about the club losing another potential gem.
“I can’t say I’ve watched him a whole lot but he’s certainly known as having been the best player in our academy this last season or so. Definitely a real talented, direct winger with a real ability to beat his man.
“It’s probably unfortunate that he’s not got a chance for our first team. That’s likely not really on him and more Davies felling expectations push him away from playing our youth. Hard to know where you see him, imagine he’ll go to your B team but must be a long term plan there.
“He’s been on the path to leaving for a while now. Had it been Chelsea I’d have just said he was one of their homegrown quota and profit machine.”
The plan for the future
In all of this, the obvious question emerges: why did Guernier choose Milan over other top suitors? What exactly was promised to him that made it so appealing as a destination amid a general climate of corporate chaos?
Well, the presence of a B-team certainly helps. Playing in Serie D (still with a small chance of a repechage into Serie C) might be the ideal arena for the young talent to learn and develop against tough, physically and tactically well-drilled opponents.
A loan move may also be part of the pre-arrangements with Milan, though nothing has come out to suggest that is the case. One thing is certain though: the Rossoneri youth sector – led by Vincenzo Vergine and Jovan Kirovski – seem determined to stock the conveyor belt with promising players.
The likes of David Odogu, Andrej Kostic, Alphadjo Cissé and others have all arrived in recent months – some for fees of around €10m – to try and give Milan a group with the potential of forming a future core. Can Guernier be a part of that? Time will tell.
Bc they wanted to find a random to replace a serie a prodigy called Chaka Traore. Absolutely Incompetent