Beating Barcelona is always difficult: it may no longer be the team of Messi and Iniesta, but in the Champions League standings, it is chasing Liverpool, the leader. And it may no longer be the wealthy club of the past, on the contrary, it is hindered by a significant financial crisis.
In Catalonia, however, they have done some calculations, and the potential sale of Ansu Fati would allow them to ease the deficit and perhaps fill the attacking void with Marcus Rashford, on loan from United. The entry of Barça into the field is thus a significant obstacle, not insurmountable but a hindrance that forces Milan to slow down.
And to reflect: would it make sense to persist?
Perhaps to raise the stakes on the salary or on a potential paid loan when the left side of the attack is already well-covered by Leao? The Rashford option will not be abandoned—the transfer market is long and takes strange turns. Meanwhile, the Rossoneri club has organised itself to revisit other paths or discover new ones.
Milan from Manchester United to Manchester City
Thus, the club could backtrack and focus more on defense than attack: at the English crossroads, it might turn toward Kyle Walker. One Brit excludes the other: if the club targets the City player, it will necessarily forgo the one from United.
How much would Kyle Walker's potential move cost Milan?
The option is certainly low-cost. The right-back would be available on a free transfer, and an agreement on a six-million salary could be reached by offering him a longer contract than his current one (expiring in 2026) and spreading the salary over a longer period.
The player could serve dual roles: right-back and central defender. At 34, Walker is an experienced player, as well as a dynamic force on the flank. His experience could be utilized in the team as a partner to a younger center-back, such as Gabbia or Thiaw.
His main role could indeed be this, leaving the right flank to the likes of Emerson, Calabria, or Jiménez.
Walker’s insertion as a central defender would not be the only change in the department. An incoming transfer could precede a possible departure, with Tomori being a candidate for sale, particularly in light of Juventus's interest.
He’s not the only one: surprisingly, even Pavlovic is no longer guaranteed a place (on the bench…). The Serbian was the second most expensive signing of the summer: 18 million euros plus bonuses paid to Salzburg. He could depart if a foreign club matches the offer. Pavlovic's story at Milan has been unusual so far: benched against Torino in the season opener, then starting for three consecutive matches, back to the bench for the first derby of the season, starting again for four matches, and then completely sidelined. Not even a minute played in the last six league games.
What are Milan's options?
This is why Walker as a central defender could be a solution appreciated by Conceição, who will obviously have his say. He is expected to weigh in again today during a sort of market-focused meeting between the club and the coach.
If Conceição confirms the need for defensive reinforcements, an alternative option could also be considered: Jonathan Tah, the German center-back from Leverkusen whose contract expires in June. It is inevitable that he will have high salary demands, given the many suitors who have already come forward, including from Italy.
Source: Gazzetta dello Sport in today's print edition.
