Milan’s season is spiraling further and further into the abyss of failure, sportingly speaking, and unless there is a sudden resurgence between now and June, the club will have to assess not only the coach but also the players in the squad. Many already have their bags packed, while for others, the coming months—and of course, any potential offers, will be decisive. Milan is preparing for a major overhaul, in which even some of the biggest names are far from safe.
Exit papers?
The most prominent name on the departure list is, unsurprisingly, Theo Hernandez. The French full-back’s contract expires in 2026, but negotiations for a renewal have essentially stalled due to his disappointing performances.
At this point, it is unthinkable that Milan would meet Theo’s demands, and without a new agreement, the two parties are destined to part ways. Starting next January, Hernandez would be free to sign with another club on a free transfer, a scenario that those at the club would prefer to avoid.
That is why, in reality, Theo is more than available for sale this summer, though due to both his contract situation and his recent performances, his price tag will no longer be as high as it once was.
Alongside the Frenchman, another key figure from the 2021-22 Scudetto-winning team could also leave, Tomori. Had it been up to the club, the English center-back would have emptied his locker at Milanello between January and February: first Juventus and then Tottenham pursued him aggressively, willing to meet Milan’s asking price.
It was the player’s own decision that prevented his departure, but if a similar scenario arises this summer, leaving would be almost inevitable.
Also far from untouchable are Emerson Royal, Chukwueze, and Loftus-Cheek, symbolic of what has gone wrong in Milan’s last two years of transfers. João Félix and Abraham, both on loan without a purchase option, have failed to convince and command high wages; their stay in Milan would require negotiations with their parent clubs and, in any case, would be surprising in many ways.
Florenzi and Jovic, whose contract is expiring, are also likely to leave. While there is an option to renew for the Serbian striker, the feeling is that neither will be at Milan next season.
Who to build around
In modern football, no player is 100% untouchable, but Milan has a clear idea of whom they want to rely on for the next campaign. In terms of performances, Pulisic and Reijnders have probably been the best players of 2024-25 and will be pillars of the future, as will Fofana despite his recent dip in form.
Due to their age and potential, Thiaw, Pavlović, Giménez, Musah, and Bondo are not to be touched. The same goes for the youngest talents: Camarda, Liberali, Bartesaghi, Torriani, and company would only leave on loan if a decision is made to send them elsewhere for experience.
Sportiello still has one year left on his contract, while Milan is determined to keep Jiménez, with ongoing talks with Real Madrid to avoid his immediate return to Spain.
Uncertain futures at Milan...
Despite his contract renewal until 2029, Maignan’s future remains uncertain: the goalkeeper will have to prove by June that he deserves the agreed salary increase to €5 million. The coming months will also be crucial for Walker, who is on loan from City with a buyout option set at €5 million, and Sottil, whose purchase from Fiorentina would require an €11 million fee.
Terracciano could be dispensable, though he may stay for squad registration reasons.
What about Rafael Leao, will he stay at Milan or leave?
It will depend on the offers and the Portuguese forward’s own wishes. But unlike in the past, Milan is now ready for a future without its star.
Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport
