With the latest international break, the focus shifted from the pitch to the transfer window and the first early assessments of a season that has reached matchday eleven. Big clubs break apart their squads, sending players across Europe and the world, and they hope they return without problems, as seen with French midfielder Adrien Rabiot and USMNT star Christian Pulisic.
Each club must protect its own interests, so we will watch our players over the next two matches with full attention on their condition. This point matters even more because the team will face a match that goes far beyond a simple fixture when the break ends.
The Milan derby never feels ordinary, even if the coach tried to calm the mood before Parma Milan, calling it a match worth three points like any other.
What should the AC Milan club managers do in the January transfer market window?
The focus here is not the pitch but a period that will shape the club’s ambitions. The January transfer window will be decisive, because the squad has quality but lacks depth in several areas. The striker position is a problem. Santiago Gimenez has not scored enough and is dealing with an ankle issue. Albanian executive Igli Tare, with Geoffrey Moncada and Zlatan Ibrahimovic by his side, may have to start making concrete moves by contacting football agents to study the possibility of signing a much needed reinforcement in that role.
For now, however, Rafael Leao is scoring with continuity and Christian Pulisic is back, so Allegri might squeeze goals out of them and the midfield, helped by Adrien Rabiot’s return. The area with real shortages is the defense, especially the wing areas. With the back three, Koni De Winter, the Belgian centre-back, who was signed from Genoa for around 20 million euros, is the only reliable backup. As for young talent David Odogu is not trusted enough to start or rotate, as pointed out by those at Milan News.
In fact, an experienced defender who knows Serie A well would help finish the unit, which has still been performing well. The wings are another clear weakness. Ex Bologna and Roma versatile player Alexis Saelemaekers does own the right side, but the Bartesaghi Estupiñán pair on the left is far from what Max Allegri expected. David Bartesaghi has responded well when called on and can take the starting role in time, because Pervis Estupiñán remains inconsistent. On the right, David Athekame does not fit the targets of a top side, so a more reliable backup to Saelemaekers is needed.
Actually, Saelemaekers has returned from two loan spells with more experience and confidence. Now, he is a crucial piece in Allegri’s tactical vision. He takes the initiative leading attacks, taking on defenders in one on one situations, and scoring goals (as well as providing assists). His numbers so far this season? Two goals and three assists in thirteen appearances between Serie A and Coppa Italia. Saelemaekers has also clocked almost 1100 minutes on the pitch this season.
What are AC Milan's ambitions?
The end of the January transfer market window will reveal the ambition of the Rossoneri club management at Casa Milan. Giving coach Massimiliano Allegri two or three strong, functional, and coach-selected additions would show intent and a wish to fight for a high position. If this does not happen, expectations must drop, and the focus will shift to fourth place, which is the club’s stated goal. Milan fans ask themselves whether the team will aim high or avoid dreaming. The answer will depend on the choice that the club will have to make very soon.
