During this transfer market window in January, Milan management is looking around with extreme attention. The numerous injuries have deprived coach Stefano Pioli of many players in recent months, and the emergency - especially in defense - seems never-ending. That's why executives Giorgio Furlani, Geoffrey Moncada, and Antonio D'Ottavio are viewing this transfer window as an opportunity to avoid completely undermining what was done even last summer.
With Pierre Kalulu, Malick Thiaw, and Fikayo Tomori sidelined due to injury, the Rossoneri had to reinforce the defence immediately. Therefore, Furlani and Moncada recalled Matteo Gabbia from his loan to Villarreal six months early. In midfield, Filippo Terracciano arrived, costing €4.5 million from Hellas Verona, a player already on the club's radar. He can play also in defence besides the midfield department, compensating for the departure of Rade Krunić, who was transferred to Fenerbahçe for the same amount.
On paper, in this January 2024 transfer window, Milan would need another central defender, preferably left-footed, capable of building up the game, allowing Theo Hernández to return to his more natural position as the left-back.
Theoretically, the midfield, with Ismaël Bennacer at the Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria and Tommaso Pobega out for the rest of the season, would also need another quality addition.
In attack, an additional striker who can contribute crucial goals where Olivier Giroud and Luka Jović fall short would not be a bad idea.
There are, however, two uncertainties influencing Milan's moves in this transfer window. The first relates to on-field results. The Rossoneri bid farewell to the Scudetto race well in advance, followed by elimination from the Champions League.
With the Coppa Italia slipping away a few days ago, a concrete seasonal objective considering the bracket, qualification for the next Champions League and the Europa League remain. Moreover, it is currently unclear in the Rossoneri camp what the fate of coach Pioli will be. At the moment, he is on the verge of leaving Milanello ahead of the 2024-2025 season.
Therefore, CEO Furlani is currently pondering how to navigate Milan in this winter transfer market in light of these two significant uncertainties. Does it make sense, wonders the Rossoneri CEO, to invest heavily in the market when the current squad (with the return of the injured players) could secure a fourth-place finish and a chance to progress in the Europa League? And does it make sense, the other thought in the head of the club's CEO, to buy important players now when, in all likelihood, a different coach will lead them from June onwards?
So, given the current circumstances, Milan will be on the sidelines, ready to seize opportunities (especially in the last week of the transfer market session of this month), perhaps with the less binding formula of loan with an option to buy and nothing more. For top acquisitions, they will reconsider in the summer.
Source: Pianeta Milan
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