The two consecutive defeats against US Sassuolo Calcio (0–2) and Atalanta BC (2–3) have seriously complicated AC Milan’s race for a Champions League place. The Rossoneri entered the top four on matchday 4 and held those positions throughout the season, even moving to within six points of Inter Milan on the eve of matchday 31.
The club collapse began on 15 March at the Olimpico, the day of the 1–0 defeat against SS Lazio, which paved the way for Inter’s league title. From that moment on, Massimiliano Allegri’s side collected only 7 points in the following 7 matches, for a total of just 25 points across the entire second half of the season.
With fourth place now at risk, the positions of manager Massimiliano Allegri, sporting director Igli Tare, and chief executive officer Giorgio Furlani are also hanging in the balance. Above all, without the revenue guaranteed by UEFA, the club’s transfer-market strategies would change radically. The Champions League allows qualified clubs to earn a treasure chest worth at least €90 million. Milan, after a season outside European competitions, would be forced into a “low-cost” transfer market approach to compensate for the potential loss of income, marked by major sales and very few significant investments.
In this context, there are three players in particular whose moves could seriously collapse without qualification for next season’s Champions League. In the following sections, we look at who these players are and why the negotiations depend on Milan returning to Europe’s top competition.
In midfield, the name is Leon Goretzka for AC Milan:
The German midfielder, born in 1995, will leave FC Bayern Munich on a free transfer at the end of the season: the Bavarian club has decided not to renew his contract, which expires in June. Milan have been in contact with the player’s representatives for some time, offering a three-year deal with an option worth around €5 million per season. Goretzka has shown interest in the project and has given signals of openness towards the Diavolo. However, the German’s ambition remains to stay among Europe’s elite, and to do so he wants to play for a team competing in the Champions League. Furthermore, the club would not be able to guarantee the additional costs of the operation (especially the signing bonus) if they fail to secure fourth place.
In attack, another free transfer at risk of collapsing is Dušan Vlahović.
The Serbian striker has still not reached an agreement over a contract renewal with Juventus FC, with his current deal expiring on 30 June. Milan, already close to signing the 2000-born forward last summer, are closely monitoring developments in the negotiations, ready to step in if talks break down. However, alongside the Rossoneri, Bayern Munich are also interested in signing Vlahović as a backup to Harry Kane. It goes without saying that, beyond the financial offer, Bayern’s technical project could also make the difference in the player’s final decision, especially if the club fails to qualify for the Champions League. With a fourth-place finish, however, the situation would be different: his relationship with Allegri (his manager at Juventus from 2022 to 2024) and the chance to remain in Serie A could prove decisive in the Serbian’s choice.
And Robert Lewandowski?
In this case, there is very little doubt: without Champions League football, Milan can abandon all hope of signing the Polish striker. His contract with FC Barcelona expires in June and, in recent hours, the chances of a renewal have reportedly dropped close to zero. His agent, Pini Zahavi, has met the Rossoneri directors several times in recent weeks, but the recent defeats could complicate everything, as relayed via Pianeta Milan. Clubs from Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League are also pursuing the player: without fourth place, the club would no longer be able to rely on the “Champions League factor” to convince Lewandowski and beat the competition. There are already internal discussions within the club regarding his potential signing, as it is considered not entirely aligned with RedBird Capital Partners’ strategy because of his age and salary demands: Milan need elite European football to attempt a move for the Polish goalscorer, otherwise they will have to turn to other targets.
