With only three matches left in the season, it’s possible to start drawing a summary of AC Milan’s campaign, beginning with yet another flawed summer transfer window.
Milan: €150 million spent last summer, but little to show for it
During the last summer transfer window, the Rossoneri, who sold three key players such as Malick Thiaw, Theo Hernández, and Tijjani Reijnders, invested over €150 million, yet most of the signings have turned out to be unsuccessful.
In defence, Koni De Winter and David Odogu were brought in. The Belgian has carved out a decent role for himself and shown he can be a useful backup, capable of playing in multiple positions, while the German is difficult to assess, having played very few minutes, meaning the €10 million spent on him might have been better used elsewhere.
In midfield, Luka Modrić arrived on a free transfer (a superb signing) and his absence is already being felt heavily. Adrien Rabiot also proved to be an excellent acquisition. On the other hand, the €35 million spent on Ardon Jashari currently looks like a mistake, while the €23 million for Samuele Ricci is more understandable, even if he hasn’t particularly impressed.
On the flanks, Pervis Estupiñán and Zachary Athekame were signed: the former, aside from a goal in the second derby, has largely underperformed, while the latter has shown glimpses of potential but hasn’t been especially useful to the team.
Finally, in attack, there’s another major error: Christopher Nkunku. Milan paid €37 million plus bonuses to sign him, a hefty fee considering the Frenchman’s underwhelming performances on the pitch.
In the summer, changes are needed, whoever is in charge
The upcoming summer transfer window remains highly uncertain, as everything depends on whether the club qualifies for the Champions League. Without qualification, the market will be low-cost and several key departures are expected.
Whatever the situation, and whoever is in charge, one thing must be clear: there needs to be a radical change in how the squad is built for the manager.
First and foremost, the requests of the coach must be listened to, to avoid ending up with players who are already outside the project before it even begins. Then, a way must be found to maintain balance throughout the season.
Transfers in and out must always be handled as a collective effort. It is no longer acceptable to see decisions attributed to one individual and then another, first praised, then criticised by a director or the manager.
In recent years, unity within the Rossoneri club has too often been lacking. But if the goal is to return to winning, that is where everything must start again, as relayed via Milan Press.
