Even though they managed to seal their first Champions League qualification for the first time in eight years, Milan suffered an early summer blow with the impending departures of Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hakan Calhanoglu. The two players saw their contracts expire by the end of the campaign, and they are now free to explore the free market. The management already replaced the goalkeeper with Lille’s Mike Maignan, but the Rossoneri will have to sell some of their current players in order to reinforce the squad with other new additions.
So let’s take a look at the five players that Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara need to offload during this transfer market.
Alessio Romagnoli (Center Back)
We begin with the big one. The Italian has been the Diavolo’s captain and more reliable defender in the past.
However, a string of mediocre performances (including a lost battle against Romelu Lukaku in the Derby) and the arrival of the impressive Fikayo Tomori saw him relegated to the bench.
Moreover, the defender’s contract expires next season, and thus, this summer represents the club’s last chance to sell him for a revenue.
If Alessio #Romagnoli ends up leaving this transfer window, who would you want as our next captain? #Milan #transfermarket #calciomercato #Calabria #Kessie #Kjaer
— The Milan Poll (@PollMilan) June 3, 2021
Matteo Gabbia (Center Back)
The Milan youth product is definitely promising, but at the age of 21, he needs to be playing more than a handful of matches per season.
Whilst the Rossoneri fans would hate to see another academy product leave the club before fulfilling his promise, they must resign to the idea that Milanello is not the right place for him at the moment, considering the fact that his development has visibly stalled.
Matteo Gabbia vs Sampdoria
82 passes
85% pass accuracy
8 accurate long balls
1 tackle won
1 blocked shot
6 clearances
7 aerials won
10/14 duels wonExtremely solid performance from an extremely solid defender. ?⚫️ pic.twitter.com/YmxLowg2r9
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) December 6, 2020
Andrea Conti (Right-Back)
The former Atalanta man arrived to Milan as one of the most exciting wingbacks in the country, but it just never worked out for him at San Siro.
The 27-year-old suffered a serious injury in his first campaign at the club, and he was never the same player that we saw with La Dea.
Conti was sent out on loan towards the struggling Parma last January, but he and the Crociati both came out worse from the experience.
? It seems that Andrea Conti will not remain with Milan, after his loan period at Parma.
A Serie A club might be interested in his profile… https://t.co/gENyXh8y3T— MilanReports (@MilanReportscom) June 1, 2021
Rade Krunic (Midfielder)
Alongside Ismael Bennacer, the Bosnian made the move from Empoli to Milan in 2019. But whilst his younger teammate was able to adapt and cement a starting berth for himself, Krunic has been a largely forgotten figure in Stefano Pioli’s plans.
Although he can remain as a squad player who can fit in various midfield roles, perhaps it would be wiser to replace him with someone who can actually push for a starting spot.
Given a rare start, Rade #Krunic opened the deadlock for #Milan with a brilliantly taken direct free kick. This is his first ever #SerieATIM goal for the Rossoneri.#VeronaMilan #Football pic.twitter.com/YJKBMLrVak
— The Counter Attack (@TheCounterAtta3) March 8, 2021
Samu Castillejo (Winger)
Let’s face it, the Spaniard is just not molded for Italian football. The winger has all the tricks and flicks in his arsenal, but his problem remains in his inability to put it all together in the service of the team.
After three years in Milan, it is obvious that the former Villarreal man won’t be able to cement himself as a pillar for the club, and a return home would be the most suitable option for all parties.
?? Samu Castillejo ➡️ Sevilla
?? Papu Gomez ➡️ Milan? Are you a fan of the swap deal being reported by numerous sources? ? pic.twitter.com/weGv98uf8W
— SempreMilan (@SempreMilanCom) June 3, 2021