In recent hours there has been growing talk of Lazio’s interest in Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The Biancocelesti are close to selling Guendouzi to Fenerbahçe, and the Milan midfielder is Maurizio Sarri’s preferred choice to replace him. The Tuscan coach previously worked with the Englishman at Chelsea, where he managed to get the best out of him. In that season, Loftus-Cheek scored 10 goals, numbers he has only matched in his first year at Milan under Stefano Pioli.
Allegri focused on goals even before the season began. Over the summer, the Livorno-born coach praised both Loftus-Cheek and Fofana, saying that given their qualities they should reach a combined total of 15 goals by the end of the season. How is that going? Poorly: one goal for Fofana and one for Loftus-Cheek. The Englishman, with his imposing physique, explosive runs and strong sense of timing when attacking space, is one of the biggest question marks of Milan in recent seasons. He has everything needed to dominate, yet he does not. Even within the same match, there are two versions of Loftus-Cheek: one who seems almost afraid of physical duels despite his height and strength, and another who, in a flash, can tear apart the opposition’s defensive structure, only to miss the goal or the final pass at the crucial moment.
This season under Allegri, he has been available for 15 Serie A matches, starting seven of them and coming off the bench in the remaining eight. The Livorno coach involves him regularly, even if he is not among the untouchables, and has also used him as a second striker. It is a role Loftus-Cheek also played under Pioli, though within a different system. In the 4-2-3-1 he was often the surprise runner arriving late, while in the 3-5-2 he struggles more when he has to act as the reference point, with Leao, Pulisic or Nkunku moving around him.
This brings us to the key question: does it make sense for Milan to sell Loftus-Cheek?
With the right offer, probably yes. The number 8, signed for €18.96 million in the summer of 2023 on a four-year contract, has a residual book value of around €7.11 million in January 2026. Any figure above that would generate a capital gain for the Rossoneri. Timing also points towards a sale: in the summer he will enter the final year of his contract, and his value is unlikely to rise.
The doubts, however, remain. Is he a player Allegri values for his versatility? And how much does he truly value him? If he were to leave, would the directors be able to replace him properly? What would be the ideal profile? A box-to-box midfielder, a holding midfielder, an attacking midfielder? Are there players with his characteristics available in January? Despite never fully convincing during his two and a half seasons in red and black, even in the year he scored 10 goals, it is far from straightforward to say, "Yes, Milan would be better off selling him."
Meanwhile, today he had to stop and train separately due to a minor physical issue. This is a truly painful note and one that has unfortunately affected his career. He will turn 30 at the end of the month. If AC Milan intend to sell him, this is probably the right moment, as relayed via Milan News.
