It’s been an intensely busy summer for AC Milan given the player turnover, and it doesn’t show any sign of slowing down as we approach the transfer deadline.
The Rossoneri have made nine key signings, with Marco Sportiello, Luka Romero, Marco Pellegrino, Noah Okafor, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tijjani Reijnders, Yunus Musah, Christian Pulisic and Samuel Chukwueze all arriving in this window.
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Importantly though, that’s been balanced and funded by a clear-out of a significant number of players who were either deemed dispensable or simply deadwood that needed to be moved on.
While Milan opted against making loan moves for Brahim Diaz, Sergino Dest, Aster Vranckx and Timoue Bakayoko permanent, Zlatan Ibrahimovic retired, and Devis Vasquez, Marko Lazetic, Daniel Maldini and Matteo Gabbia were loaned out.
Ante Rebic, Ciprian Tatarusanu, Junior Messias and Charles De Ketelaere have all departed too, with the latter duo on a temporary basis for now, while the jewel in the crown, Sandro Tonali, was sold for an important fee that has contributed significantly to our rebuild and improvement as a collective.
As per Gianluca Di Marzio, Alexis Saelemaekers is closing in on becoming the next to leave as he looks set for an initial loan move to Bologna with an option to buy, while the likes of Mattia Caldara, Divock Origi and Fode Ballo-Toure have not been selected in our matchday squads as they look for alternative solutions too.
This rebuild and clear-out has been ruthless, but also absolutely necessary.
Looking through the list of names above who have left in some form this summer, who actually proved themselves to be capable of delivering for us on a consistent basis over the past 12 to 18 months?
Tonali’s exit came as a huge disappointment at the time and we certainly will miss his presence and ability in the heart of our midfield, but again, it was perhaps necessary to fund and spark this recruitment drive that has seen us bring in real quality and help pick up back-to-back wins to start the new campaign.
For too long we lacked quality and an effective style of play, despite our top-four finish in Serie A and Champions League semi-finals run last season masking those problems, The way in which Pioli and the Milan hierarchy have constructed this new-look squad though, it’s clear that we’re adding energy, athleticism, strength and genuine ability to make us a more dynamic, versatile and unpredictable side.
The early signs are undoubtedly promising, and it’s hoped that as time goes on, it’s proven that we upgraded in various positions and were without any doubt, better off after the decision to rebuild and have this clear-out.
Time will tell who else arrives as speculation suggests that Milan are still very much active in the market, but looking at those who have left this summer in isolation, it really feels as though management have made a lot of right decisions and have seen what a significant number of supporters have bemoaned for quite some time.
It’s down to Pioli and those players in question now though to prove that the entire strategy was the right one as we have hit the refresh button, and have hopefully opened up an exciting new cycle.
