It will not be a January transfer window like last year's, when only Füllkrug arrived on loan and Cisse was purchased from Verona, but for July. Gerry Cardinale intends to continue investing in Milan. He reiterated this in his latest interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, in which he explained why the MSE holding company will be fundamental:
"The goal is to provide the club with the financial power necessary to compete in the transfer market and to secure the best players in the world. I am doing everything possible so that when we want a player, nobody can tell me: 'You can't sign him because you can't afford him.' Right now, only Premier League clubs are able to invest certain amounts and secure top players. If I want to bring Milan back to the top in European competitions, not just in Italy, we have to understand how we can compete with the biggest clubs in the world."
During the next winter transfer window, therefore, the Rossoneri will strengthen the squad.
How much will they spend? Considering that the investment in the summer was more than €150 million plus bonuses, the amount in January will be around €70 million, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport in this mornin's print edition.
Whether it will be more or less will be determined by the market: if RedBird's number one sees the possibility of adding one or two players to the squad who are capable of taking Milan to another level (the other reinforcement is expected in defence), he is ready to make a financial sacrifice.
As happened with Moreira, who was paid €50 million after Ramos and Gila had already been purchased.
The priority, however, is to strengthen the attacking department because goals from the strikers have been lacking.
And the objective is to bring one of Endrick or Tresoldi to Milanello, two different players but both of whom would be useful (in different ways) to Amorim.
Behind the scenes: Kaká
The connection between Milan and Endrick is strong because Cardinale has an established relationship with Roc Nation, which represents the striker.
RedBird's number one already wanted him last summer and asked to be informed when a definitive decision is made about the future of the former Palmeiras talent. In practice, he wants to know if and when Real Madrid (or rather, Mourinho) will decide to let him leave.
Roma are interested in him, but English and French clubs have also made enquiries. Endrick wants more playing time than he has had so far and aims to change clubs in January.
Milan are ready to welcome him, and they have also delivered the message to him through a "special" ambassador: Ricardo Kaká. The former Ballon d'Or winner, as well as a member of the Rossoneri Hall of Fame, had dinner with Cardinale before the derby and could do for Endrick what Leonardo did for him, in other words, he could provide the decisive assist for the club to bring him to Milanello.
Milan also have convincing arguments for Real Madrid: Cardinale will not ask for a simple six-month loan, as happened last year when the then 19-year-old moved to Lyon, but will propose adding an option/obligation to buy for a significant amount.
Let's say €60 million, perhaps with some bonuses added.
Furthermore, he is willing to grant Real Madrid the possibility of buying him back for €80 million.
A deal in the style of Nico Paz with Como.
Bidding war for Tresoldi
Milan's interest in the Brugge striker is also well known, and the goalscorer, who in a few months will have to choose whether to continue playing for Germany or wear the Italian national team shirt, is not indifferent to the interest, given that he has been a Milan supporter since childhood.
His future lies away from Belgium, but it remains to be seen when his path and that of the team he joined in 2025 will separate.
He costs around €60 million, and the figure has risen considerably compared to last summer.
At Brugge, they know very well that they cannot keep him at all costs and will have to understand his wishes, both ahead of the January transfer window and the summer one.
The Belgian club's preference would be to sell him at the end of the season, but if an offer that cannot be refused arrives, then there will be an openness to his departure already in the winter window.
Milan are following how the situation develops, hoping not to have to participate in bidding wars, especially with Premier League clubs.
The Pairing
But is it possible that both could wear the Rossoneri shirt?
In theory, yes, although not in January, because only one reinforcement is planned in attack. If one signing were completed in the winter and the other planned for next summer, however, perhaps after securing Champions League qualification, then Milan could pull off a double signing.
Because Endrick and Tresoldi are strong, talented and, above all, young. Just like Moreira. Cardinale knows this, and that is why he is not giving up on them. "I want to win quickly," he repeated. He will have to prove it in the transfer market.
