But where can a team go without a defense? Milan ended the last Serie A season with the third-best attack (61 goals), but only the seventh-best defense (43 goals conceded). For three years now, they haven’t managed to keep their goals conceded under the 40-mark in the league. The numbers don’t lie—and both Tare and Massimiliano Allegri know it well: if the Rossoneri want to become competitive again, they must first and foremost regain solidity. That means changing their mentality and style of play, of course. But also overhauling the defensive department at the individual level.
The new Rossoneri duo—sporting director and coach—have discussed the current defense, analyzing what’s in place and what’s missing, and drafted a list of potential targets. However, the transfer market is also about unexpected opportunities. One of those is named Kim Min-Jae, the South Korean center-back who helped Spalletti’s Napoli win the Scudetto in his only season in Serie A.
Kim has just won the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, but he didn’t replicate the level he showed in Italy. That’s why the German club has decided to show him the door, even turning to a well-known Italian agent to help find Kim a new destination—ideally back in Serie A, the league where he had the best season of his career. And among the possible destinations, AC Milan has emerged, thanks especially to Max Allegri’s high regard for Kim.
Milan - The deal and obstacles...
Bayern has made Kim available, which could help spark negotiations. But there are economic factors that make the deal tricky for now. First, Bayern currently isn’t open to a loan deal, and to avoid a capital loss, they must sell Kim for more than €30 million. Still, it’s early June—things might change as the summer progresses. Second, Kim’s salary is very high—bonuses included, it reaches €8–9 million per year. Plus, he has a contract with Bayern until 2028, which complicates spreading out the wages across a longer agreement.
The solution? Ask Bayern for help—either by opening to a loan or contributing to the salary, perhaps even offering a severance package in case of a permanent transfer.
Exits in the AC Milan market...
While Kim remains more of a tantalizing idea than a hot deal for now, Milan has a plan to overhaul its defense regardless—especially given the number of expected departures. Yesterday, reports emerged of a small opening from Theo Hernandez toward Al-Hilal: Milan has already accepted the Saudis' €30 million offer, and they're hoping. But even if the Frenchman ultimately turns down the Saudi move, it's unlikely he’ll stay in Milan with his contract expiring in 2026. A solution in Europe will eventually be found.
Malick Thiaw could be on his way to Bayer Leverkusen, though no official offer has arrived yet. Florenzi (out of contract) and Walker (unlikely to be signed permanently) are both set to leave. As for Emerson Royal and Tomori, their futures remain uncertain and will depend on how the market unfolds.
Incoming moves...
Anyone leaving will need to be replaced—so it’s likely that more than one signing per position will arrive. On the flanks, Milan’s top targets are Cambiaso (Juventus) and Udogie (Tottenham). In the center—aside from the dream of Kim—options include Gila (Lazio), Leoni (Parma), Comuzzo (Fiorentina), and Djimsiti (Atalanta). It’s still early days, but Milan is ready to build a wall at the back.
Source: Gazzetta dello Sport
