Mario Gila to Milan: "here we go." Lotito's initial refusal did not discourage the Rossoneri. Negotiations continued between the defender's agent, Alejandro Camano, and the clubs, and in the end an agreement was reached: Lazio will receive almost €30 million, including a fixed fee and bonuses. Everything is now ready for the medical examinations and the signing of a five-year contract worth €5 million net per season.
A striker and a centre-back were the priorities identified by Ruben Amorim, and the club is meeting those requests with an investment of around €100 million.
That’s the transfer window rhythm. You check official news, Italian papers, local reports, international updates, and fan accounts. You know some sources are stronger than others, but when you’re waiting, even a weak rumour gets a glance.
Around that same football routine, you might check fixtures, read fan reactions, follow market talk, or open BetJordan while keeping up with the wider conversation around Milan. It sits in the background, another small online stop while the main question stays the same: is the club building something that actually makes sense?
What will Gila's role be at AC Milan?
Under Sarri at Lazio, the 2000-born defender played mainly as the right-sided centre-back in a back four used by the Biancocelesti.
Amorim's ideas are different, however. The Portuguese coach has consistently favoured a back three and intends to use the same system at Milan.
So, where does Gila fit into Amorim's ideal back three at Milan?
Although he is also capable of playing as the central defender, the Spaniard is expected to be used primarily as the right-sided centre-back, effectively taking the position currently occupied by Fikayo Tomori.
What Milan still need in defence:
With Gila's imminent arrival on the right and the likely stay of Strahinja Pavlović, Milan have effectively completed two-thirds of their starting defence for the 2026–27 season with the two wide centre-backs in place. This is also a signal to Tomori, who could leave during the summer to provide the funds needed to secure the final piece of Amorim's defensive unit.
While Koni De Winter and the versatile Davide Bartesaghi are already available as back-ups for Gila and Pavlović, Milan are still missing a first-choice central defender, with Matteo Gabbia expected to serve as deputy.
It is therefore no surprise that Milan are working on signing a player of that profile before turning their attention to other areas such as midfield, the flanks, or the attack. Gonçalo Inácio of Sporting would be an ideal candidate, but Sporting value him very highly, at more than €40 million. Meanwhile, the possibility of an established player such as Virgil van Dijk leaving Liverpool a year before the expiry of his contract remains a remote scenario.
In fact, Ruben Amorim has identified the areas that need strengthening, while Gerry Cardinale and the club's management have taken note and are acting accordingly. Gila is now on the verge of arriving, and the search continues for the final piece needed to complete the defence.
Several other different reports have pointed out that the agreement with Lazio has been reached on the basis of €27 million plus €3 million in bonuses. This is welcome news for Ruben Amorim, who, after Gonçalo Ramos, is set to receive another player he specifically requested to strengthen the squad.
While the official figures will only be confirmed once the newly opened financial accounts are published, it is already possible to estimate the impact of the deal on Milan's finances based on the figures currently being reported, according to Milannews.it.
What is the financial impact of Gila's transfer to Milan?
Cardinale has reached an agreement with Lotito, who must pay 50% of the transfer fee to Real Madrid. The deal is worth around €27 million plus €3 million in bonuses. The player, who still benefits from the tax relief introduced under Italy's "Growth Decree", will sign a five-year contract worth €4.5 million net per season, plus up to €1 million in bonuses.
According to Milan News, this means Mario Gila would cost Milan approximately €11.8 million per year, combining amortisation and gross salary costs.
Gila:
Amortisation: €5.4 million
Gross salary: €6.4 million
Total annual cost: €11.8 million
Interestingly, this is exactly the same annual cost as Tomori, whose contract expires in 2027 and who could leave Milan this summer.
Amortisation: €7.3 million
Gross salary: €4.5 million
Total annual cost: €11.8 million
