What started out as one, perhaps two, major sales this summer, has seen AC Milan now face decisions over a string of influential players in the coming weeks and months.
As per BBC Sport, Tijjani Reijnders is set for a move to Manchester City in a deal worth €55m+ as he’s expected to undergo a medical this weekend, and there was a feeling that the Dutchman’s fee would ultimately fund our rebuild this summer under Massimiliano Allegri.
READ MORE: Significant offer incoming for Milan star but club stance clear for now
Changes are absolutely necessary to allow the Milan boss to build a squad that suits his style of play, system and allows him to build a culture and identity in his second stint at the helm.
However, the number of changes is arguably going beyond what was initially thought of or planned for, as with both Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez in the final 12 months of their respective contracts with the club, both are now being heavily linked with departures this summer.
As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, Al Hilal are trying to convince Theo to move to Saudi Arabia, albeit he’s said to prefer to stay in Europe at this stage of his career, while Chelsea continue to press to find an agreement to land Maignan.
That’s now three key individuals potentially on the move.
Then came reports from Sky Sport that Bayern Munich are preparing an offer for Rafael Leao, and although it’s stressed that it will be difficult for the Bavarian giants to meet our valuation and that Allegri wants to keep the Portuguese winger, a major offer may just be enough to convince the club to sell.
So that takes it to four possible departures of players who have been fundamental in our success in recent years, and with loanees departing this month when their deals expire, contracts running down and other individuals who are deemed surplus to requirements as Allegri doesn’t see them fitting into his plans, the squad could look very different by the time this summer transfer window closes.
Given our woeful season last year, aside from our Italian Super Cup triumph, some will argue that wholesale changes are needed as this squad simply isn’t good enough to compete at the top level for major honours.
Further, we have to back Allegri in this market to give him the players he wants that will suit what he’s implementing and building, and to do that we need funds and to balance the books with sales.
Our Scudetto success in the 2021/22 season feels a long time ago now, and the regression we’ve seen since, sometimes steady but also drastic in how poor the performances and results have been, a new cycle had to be opened this summer and the hierarchy had to get out of the way and allow a new management structure take over.
Those who don’t wish to be part of it, move them on. If Allegri feels as though certain players can take a step up under his guidance and will have pivotal roles to play, keep them and build around them to raise the level and standards within the group.
Losing players of the quality of those named above does add a sense of chaos and concern to this rebuild, but with sporting director Igli Tare working closely with Allegri to transform this squad into a competitive one, we may need tough decisions and a fresh start to get back to where we ultimately want to be, as what we had last season and those who we rely on so heavily to make us successful, fell woefully short.
