In Fiorentina’s Europa-scented victory in the derby against Empoli, there was a significant contribution from the AC Milan loanee Yacine Adli, who opened the scoring with his fourth goal of the league campaign. The Franco-Algerian midfielder returned to Fiorentina's starting eleven after a three-month absence in what has been a strange season: the numbers show that his performances have been actually decent: 5 assists in Serie A and 1 in the Conference League, but his central role in coach Raffaele Palladino’s project was called into question following the arrival of Nicolò Fagioli in the January transfer window.
As things stand, the chances of the former Bordeaux player staying in Florence next season have turned slim, and for Milan, there's a real risk of losing out on the 10 million euros fee agreed last summer for his buyout clause, as pointed out by those at Calcio Mercato.
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Who has high chances of being signed permanently?
Pierre Kalulu will be bought outright by Juventus for around 14 million euros, as reported by different sources in recent days. Álvaro Morata is also definitely leaving the Rossoneri, heading to Galatasaray, the only question is whether it will be immediately or in the summer of 2026. Judgement remains pending for both Tommaso Pobega and Ismaël Bennacer: their buyout fees are considered very high by both Bologna and Marseille, respectively. Most likely, Bologna’s director, Giovanni Sartori, will ask the AC Milan club managers for a discount on the 12 million euros fee in order to redeem Tommaso Pobega, thereby satisfying coach Vincenzo Italiano.
As for the deal with Marseille for Bennacer involves a paid loan and 12 million euros plus 3 million euros in bonuses should the French club choose to exercise their option to buy the midfielder outright. In recent hours, the French side has reportedly reassured Ismaël of their intent to continue together. Meanwhile, striker Marko Lazetić continues to underperform even in his homeland with Serbian side TSC.
Besides Yacine Adli, who might return to AC Milan at the end of the current season?
A total of 14 Milan players are currently out on loan at other clubs. Alexis Saelemaekers is having a fantastic season and has already won over the hearts of one of the most passionate fanbases in the world. Roma will do everything possible to sign him permanently, but Milan is now setting a high asking price: 25 million euros, otherwise he’ll return to Milan—for good this time. Promising midfielder Kevin Zeroli will definitely return from his loan at Monza, where he earned several starts, as will Pellegrino, who is doing quite well on loan at Huracán and could be given a shot. The situation is uncertain for Empoli duo Lorenzo Colombo and Devis Vásquez: the former would represent a significant 7 million euros investment for a club like Empoli, while the latter has lost his starting spot. Should Empoli be relegated to Serie B, the chances of either player being bought would drop to zero.
AC Milan club management needs the income
Unfortunately for the Rossoneri fans, there will be no UEFA Champions League participation in the next season. The club is sitting in mid-table and they have not yet even guaranteed themselves a spot in any other European competition. A path to the UEFA Europa League competition, however, is still feasible. The shortest way? Putting all energy and focus only on 90 minutes: the match against Bologna in the Italian Cup final next May 14. Sergio Conceicao’s team must fight until the end and this matters a lot to RedBird Capital Partners, the club owners, and club directors at Casa Milan, because winning a (second) trophy brings a small money into the coffers, and playing in the European stage would also generate some much needed income, although it is not in any shape comparable to the Champions League.
Therefore, selling the players who are currently out on loan, along with the prize money from European competition and the Coppa Italia, is crucial for Milan to plan the new season effectively and invest in signing suitable players to achieve better results and return to the top and to winning ways.
