In the minds of the Rossoneri's market experts, Paulo Fonseca could frequently field an entirely foreign eleven in the 2024-25 season. Especially if the acquisition of Emerson Royal goes through.
The Brazilian full-back has long had an agreement with the Italians, but Tottenham has not yet given the final green light for his move to the San Siro.
The gap between the Spurs' asking price and Milan's offer (fixed part between 14 and 15 million euros) has significantly narrowed, with the Rossoneri directors hoping to see the green light by next week.
If he arrives in Italy, Emerson would then compete for the position with Davide Calabria. One of the last Italian players in the squad with starting credentials, at least perhaps until the Brazilian arrives.
The starting eleven could be Maignan in goal; Emerson on the right, with two among Tomori, Thiaw (Newcastle seems to have shifted towards Guehi of Crystal Palace), and Pavlovic at the center of defense, and Theo Hernandez on the left; Loftus-Cheek (or Bennacer) and Reijnders in midfield, if Fonseca confirms the intention to move the Englishman back, using Pulisic as number 10, without forgetting that in Ibra, Furlani, and Moncada's plans, there’s always the possibility of adding defensive midfielder Youssouf Fofana, with negotiations with Monaco continuing; Chukwueze, Pulisic (or Loftus-Cheek), and Leao in the attacking midfield; Morata up front. This could broadly be the base formation of Milan for 2024-25.
As mentioned, zero Italians. Not an absolute novelty, although the first time an entirely foreign Rossoneri eleven took the field was still under RedBird: Milan-Salernitana on March 13, 2023. However, at that time, the coach was still Italian, Stefano Pioli.
Ironically, currently in the AC Milan squad, excluding the very young players, there are only six Italians, plus striker Marco Nasti, who is set to leave before August 30. Of these, two have suffered serious injuries during the American tour (Marco Sportiello and Alessandro Florenzi).
Besides Calabria, the remaining Italians are Gabbia, Terracciano, and Pobega. A small number that could create problems, especially with regard to the Champions League list.
At the same time, Milan is showcasing very promising young Italian players. From goalkeeper Torriani, who could serve as vice-Maignan at least until Sportiello returns, to midfielder Zeroli, through to attacking midfielder/winger Liberali and ending with striker Camarda. In short, Milan has a foreign present, but a future with strong Italian hues, as pointed out by La Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper in this morning's edition.
