It has only been a month, but Niclas Fullkrug already seems to have been a Rossoneri for a lifetime. On December 23, the German striker arrived in Milan to undergo medical tests and sign a six-month loan contract with Milan: a Christmas gift for Max Allegri, who had long called for the signing of a forward with specific physical, technical, and tactical qualities. The results on the pitch are already visible, and there is hope they will continue consistently.
As Tuttosport points out today, marking this first milestone, Niclas Fullkrug is the present of Milan’s attack. The only other striker in the squad, Santiago Gimenez, has been injured since the end of October, and it is still unclear when he will return to the field. Fullkrug’s impact has been immediate, both in the locker room and on the pitch with his abilities: a strong performance at Cagliari fighting for every ball; another solid display against Genoa, where he was denied a goal; a sublime first half against Fiorentina with two wonderful lay-offs wasted by Pulisic; a sacrificial performance, almost like a water polo pivot, against Como; and the goal that secured three points, scored immediately after coming on, in the win over Lecce. This has been Fullkrug’s first month: and if this is the start, the chances of Milan exercising the €5 million purchase option could increase. Having a player with these qualities in the squad, even as an impact substitute, becomes crucial.
It is clear that, given the situation, Milan will need to review its attacking options this summer. Leao and Pulisic are untouchable for now, but it remains to be seen whether Fullkrug and Nkunku will earn a renewal. As mentioned, the German requires the purchase option to be exercised, but if it happens, it would likely be to use him as a backup; the Frenchman is a full Milan player but must earn the club’s trust after a slow start. There are also uncertainties regarding Gimenez and Camarda: for the former, whether he will stay or leave, and for the latter, finding the right path for development. In any case, it seems Milan’s management will act to acquire a number 9, a true central striker: in this sense, Allegri’s preferred target for the summer remains Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian striker is approaching the end of his contract and is very unlikely to renew: a zero-cost opportunity and a favorite of Max. Igli Tare has already spoken with his agent Ristic, alongside discussions related to Kostic from Partizan. It is still early, but the Rossoneri’s future could bear the name Dusan.
