Five Milan Players on Expiring Contracts – Which ones Should be Kept?

AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Last summer, Milan were made to watch two of their most important players walk through the door after seeing out their contracts with the club. Gianluigi Donnarumma felt the rage of the San Siro crowds during Italy’s Nations League encounter against Spain last week, and Hakan Calhanoglu’s turn will surely come by the time of the Derby della Madonnina. However, some of the Rossoneri’s current crop could pull off a similar manoeuvres, as Milan currently have five players running on expiring contracts. So which ones should Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara work tirelessly on maintaining, and which should be granted a safe passage?

Alessio Romagnoli (Center Back)

Although he remains the official club captain, the Italian’s role within the team has greatly diminished since the start of the year. A dip in form coupled with the arrival of the impressive Fikayo Tomori last January saw the former Roma man relegated to the bench.

Moreover, there’s no lost love between the club’s management and the player’s agent (Mino Raiola), and at this point, trying to maintain the center back sounds like complicated plan that might not be worth the trouble.

An amicable divorce could be the finest solution for all parties involved, especially for the player who could do with a fresh start elsewhere.

Our Verdict: Release

Simon Kjaer (Center Back)

We mentioned Tomori above, but the Danish veteran hasn’t been any less impressive in the past two seasons.

The former Palermo man’s arrival to Milanello appeared to be a short-term fix at first, but he’s now enjoying a late career revival, as he even made it to the 30-man shortlist of the Ballon d’Or.

This one is a no-brainer. Simon MUST stay.

Our Verdict: Keep 

Andrea Conti (Right-Back)

This one has been doomed from the get-go. The former Atalanta man arrived as an exciting wingback, but injuries ended up wrecking what was once a promising career.

The 27-year-old is now at the rock bottom of Stefano Pioli’s pecking order, and there’s absolutely no reason why Milan should be renew his expiring contract.

Perhaps an early release should be considered.

Our Verdict: Release

Franck Kessié (Central Midfielder)

Now this is a tough one. Last season, ‘The President’ was arguably the best player at the club, and perhaps the most impressive midfielder in Serie A.

Although his start to the new season hasn’t been as successful (mainly due to an injury), the Ivorian remains a pillar for the club. But the question is whether or not the Diavolo can afford to maintain him.

While the player is demanding some hefty figures to renew his deal, perhaps Maldini and company can find a middle ground that can keep the star at the San Siro another year or two before they sell him for a profit.

Our Verdict: Keep 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Striker)

The Swedish legend is the highest earner at the club (7 million euros per season) while his recurring injuries have reduced him to a part-timer or less.

No one can deny Zlatan’s impact on the club’s mini-renaissance which started at the time of his arrival in early 2020. But at 40 years of age, he has become a luxury that Milan simply can’t afford, which is why this season should serve as his swansong before he leaves once his expiring contract ends.

Our Verdict: Release

Read More – Inter Have Nine Players On Expiring Contracts – Which Ones Should be Kept?

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