Some early gifts have also arrived at Milanello. On Monday, December 22, Füllkrug landed at Linate Prime, effectively as a new Milan striker. He joins from West Ham on loan with an option to buy set at €5 million, figures that surprised many insiders, especially since very different sums had been circulating shortly before.
Between last season and the current one, there are two completely different worlds. Less than twelve months ago, the idea was to overhaul the squad in order to climb the table. Conceição demanded a lot from his players, setting aside those who did not fit the profiles required for his system.
On the final day of the winter transfer window, Sottil, Bondo and João Félix arrived. The outcome was negative in every respect, no turning point followed, and the season started unevenly before ending very badly, at least in the league.
Füllkrug to chase new goals
Now a different approach is noticeable, with careful planning of potential additions to make the team more competitive. A striker was needed and Füllkrug arrived, despite some skepticism within the Milan fanbase shaped by his last year and a half: injuries, few goals, and an age that is no longer young. This was the market available, with Tare trying to supply Milan’s attacking department.
Another player very close to the Rossoneri is Andrej Kostić of Partizan. The very young Montenegrin forward has already scored eight league goals, despite not always starting. He would be a long-term investment, likely placed in Serie D with Milan Futuro, with the chance to earn occasional call-ups to the first team, as pointed out via Milan Press.
Kostić’s agent is the same as Dušan Vlahović’s, the number nine Milan have pursued but never truly secured. According to what has been gathered, there have been further contacts in recent days between Milan and the player’s entourage. What still does not add up is the salary Juventus pay their striker, whose contract expires in June 2026, a figure well above the maximum wage cap Milan have set for the entire squad.
A defender with leadership
The next move? The feeling is that Milan, after strengthening the attack, may look to sign a defender who brings leadership at the back. Thiago Silva has gone to Porto, but for Milan the deal did not go through. The name could remain top secret. There is no confirmation of a move for Süle, and a swap involving Gatti and Ricci with Juventus also appears difficult. In terms of timing, though, one thing is clear: this time the management is moving early to correct any issues before they become costly.
