Marcus Rashford isn’t just a name but a true ideal. What does that mean?
It means that Milan dreams of a major attacking coup in January, in a way similar to the approaches described recently for the Manchester United star, even if he isn’t the one to eventually land in Milan.
The Rossoneri’s transfer market team is still awaiting (as we have told you) a definitive response from the Red Devils to the offer presented by Giorgio Furlani to his counterpart Omar Berrada on Monday.
At the same time, Rashford’s entourage (present in the stands at Old Trafford yesterday to watch his current teammates face Southampton) was expecting further progress in the negotiations, which has yet to materialize.
Milan is fully aware of Barcelona’s fierce competition and the overall complexity of the deal, so much so that they are also evaluating a significant alternative from the Premier League: Joao Felix of Chelsea.
The Portuguese forward, born in 1999, was acquired by the Blues last summer for 52.5 million euros from Atletico Madrid. Joao Felix, however, has not found much playing time under Maresca in London, and now Chelsea is considering offloading him.
Their hope is to sell him outright, but as the transfer window’s deadline approaches, a loan deal becomes more feasible. This is where Milan could step in, possibly proposing a loan with an option to buy—something far more complicated with Rashford.
Felix’s salary, €5.7 million including bonuses, is far more accessible than the United forward’s €13 million. More importantly, Joao Felix is a name that appeals greatly (and unequivocally) to Sergio Conceição. He sits firmly at the top of the coach’s preferences should the Rashford option fall through.
The talented Blues player and Milan’s new coach share not only their homeland but also an agent, Jorge Mendes, who is known for working difficult deals in the transfer market.
It’s no coincidence that since Conceição’s arrival at Milan, several names from Mendes’ roster have been linked to the Rossoneri. Players like Trincao, Samu Costa, and Reyna have been mentioned, to name a few. A typical dynamic.
But, Joao Felix is the most intriguing prospect.
He also fits perfectly with RedBird’s vision for the transfer market: still young (he just turned 25), highly talented, possibly available under favourable conditions, but in need of a career revival after a few seasons that haven’t lived up to his class and early-career expectations.
A similar situation occurred with another player who joined Milan from Chelsea: Christian Pulisic. In Rossoneri colors, he’s rediscovered the form that once made him shine at Borussia Dortmund. Milan hopes to replicate this success with Joao Felix. However, unlike Pulisic—whose move in summer 2023 was finalized outright thanks to Furlani’s skillful negotiation—Joao Felix’s arrival would initially have to be on a loan basis. Still, Mendes’ influence might enable future options or more structured agreements, such as covering part of his salary through June. Conceição himself is confident in the potential of his young compatriot, seeing him as a versatile attacker capable of excelling in multiple roles—playmaker, winger, second striker, or false nine—with immense untapped potential in recent years, as relayed via La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Milan will also need to free up space in the squad through some departures (a topic discussed elsewhere). But the identity of the incoming attacker could also impact another star eager to wear Rossoneri colors: Kyle Walker. The Manchester City veteran, like Rashford, is English, and as explained multiple times this week, Serie A clubs can sign only one British player from abroad per season under the FIGC’s new regulations introduced in May. Consequently, if Rashford were to arrive in Milan, there would be no spot for Walker. However, if Milan decides to move on from the United forward and focuses on Joao Felix instead, Walker could become the eligible English addition for the 2024-25 season. Like Joao Felix, Walker is a versatile player who can cover multiple roles in his position, from his natural right-back spot, where he’s excelled for much of his career, to more central roles in a back three or four.
The alternative to Rashford, therefore, could allow Milan to secure not one but two major Premier League signings: Joao Felix in attack and Walker in defense. Two marquee names that would soften the blow for fans if the United striker, Milan’s primary January target, does not arrive. As that old commercial used to say: Two is better than one. And for Milan, two may indeed be better than one.
