An operation bound to spark debate, but one that Milan has decided to conclude with conviction: Francesco Camarda, the 2008-born jewel of the Rossoneri youth academy, is set to move to Lecce on loan. The confirmation, with all the details of the deal, has come from renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The agreement includes an initial loan with a purchase option for Lecce set at 3 million euros and, crucially, a buy-back clause in Milan’s favor for 4 million euros. A move aimed at allowing the young striker to find consistency, while still keeping Milan in full control of his future.
Why is Milan letting go of its prodigy, Camarda?
Why is Milan deciding to part ways, albeit temporarily, with such a crystal-clear talent? Camarda, so far treated as a “chosen one,” has had a fragmented 2024–2025 season, divided between a few minutes with the first team, alternating appearances with the Primavera and Milan Futuro. The result has been a journey with many trips but very, very little continuity.
Sending Camarda to Lecce—a club that has already shown it knows how to develop young players like Gendrey—means placing him in an environment where he will finally be able to play regularly, make mistakes, and above all, grow far from the immense pressures that come with Milan. A condition that he probably could not have found in Milan.
The choice of a formula with a purchase option and a buy-back clause is a clear signal of Milan’s strategy. This is not a simple dry loan. Milan is incentivizing Lecce to play the boy, offering the possibility of a future investment, while reserving the right to bring him back with a minimal markup. This strategy, borrowed from other top European clubs, shows a willingness to invest in the future even when talent is temporarily entrusted to others. Milan is not selling off Camarda; they are putting him to the test.
Despite the logic behind the move, it has sparked debate among fans. Many would have preferred to see him grow at home, perhaps under Max Allegri’s guidance, and fear he could “get lost along the way” or be “burned out” in a new environment. However, for a talent like Camarda, the real enemy is lack of consistency.
Lecce offers exactly what he needs: a Serie A campaign without the pressure of chasing the title. A club where he can make mistakes without being drowned in boos, where he can score goals without the overwhelming comparison to legends like Shevchenko. In recent years, the Salento club has established itself as one of the best “labs” in Italy for young players.
Camarda will arrive in Lecce with the right balance of expectations and opportunities, and the awareness that Milan hasn’t abandoned him—they’re testing him. Today’s football doesn’t wait, but those who know how to be patient, as Milan seems to be doing here, can reap the sweetest rewards. The ball is now in Camarda’s court: Lecce will be his first real test.
Source: PianetaMilan.it
