His loans to Bologna and Roma were like air, the right compromise to grow elsewhere and prove first of all to himself that he could have a leading role.
Alexis Saelemaekers could soon renew his contract with Milan, and given his last few months, this news is only partly surprising. A valuable wildcard, he has been deployed almost everywhere in recent seasons, regardless of his level of familiarity with the position, always giving his best.
That has always been one of Saelemaekers' trademarks...
Alexis is useful because he fits into different tactical setups, but also because he plays as if every match were the last of his life. That grit, that fire in his eyes, is not common in 2025, in a football world too often focused on spectacle. Alexis cares deeply, about every ball he touches, every chance that might turn into something.
This is why Allegri likes him and why Milan can still rely on him in this Serie A campaign. He is the kind of player rare in today’s game. Functional for tactical purposes and important for commitment. From celebrating a goal, even one scored by a teammate, to feeling the sting of defeat, his expression always shows that hunger for redemption, that drive to push beyond his limits.
A wildcard who could serve Allegri well, both this season depending on how games unfold, and in the future, when Milan hopes to return to competing on multiple fronts. Saelemaekers accepted taking a step back to return to Milan and prove he deserves to stay.
