It shapes up to be a transitional summer at San Siro as Milan embark on a new era under former Roma manager Paulo Fonseca after parting with Scudetto-winning coach Stefano Pioli. In addition to Pioli, overachieving veterans Olivier Giroud and Simon Kjaer waved goodbye to Lombardy at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Milan finished runners-up to bitter rivals Inter last term, but it was never a close call by any stretch of the imagination. Back-to-back winless campaigns signaled the end of Pioli’s regime. Now it’s up to Fonseca to pick up the slack and steer the Rossoneri back into the Serie A title picture after two underwhelming seasons.
Unsurprisingly, many leading sportsbooks rank them well behind Inter in the race for supremacy ahead of 2024/25. For betting enthusiasts interested in diversifying their gaming options, the latest online casinos reviewed here offer exciting opportunities. But Milan fans may not want to write their team off yet.
A lot will depend on the summer transfer dealings. Milan can’t afford to be cheap if they’re to close a substantial gap on Inter. Replacing Giroud is an obvious priority. However, the 19-time Italian champions would be naive to think a new center-forward would be enough to compete for the ultimate prize.
On top of a new frontline leader, Milan must address their notorious defensive woes and preferably address handle midfield shortcomings. While waiting to understand the club’s plans amid the ongoing 2024 UEFA European Championship, we compiled a list of three must-do signings to propel Milan back to the Scudetto frame.
#1 Joshua Zirkzee
We’re still early in the summer, but Joshua Zirkzee’s rumored switch to Milan is already becoming a soap opera. While the club is ready to trigger the Dutchman’s €40million release clause to avoid protracted negotiations with Bologna, Kia Joorabchian is throwing a spanner in the works every step of the way.
The 52-year-old has set insane requests. Hellbent on becoming obscenely wealthy from Zirkzee’s impending departure, he has named a stratospheric €15m compensation fee. Although Milan have no intention of coming near the Iranian-born agent’s demands, they remain desperate to sign Zirkzee.
Given his age and potential, Zirkzee would offer Milan a significant sell-on value. On the pitch, he could be a beast, based on his impressive second season at Bologna.
#2 Mats Wieffer
Midfield was an area of concern last season. Despite signing Tijjani Reijnders and Yunus Musah a year ago, Milan often looked clueless and out of steam in the engine room in 2023/24. Ismael Bennacer’s return to action from a long-term injury toward the end of the campaign was a boost.
However, Milan could use another decent midfield option. Feyenoord’s Mats Wieffer would be a decent acquisition. Fresh off an outstanding Eredivisie campaign, the 24-year-old is ready to take his career to the next step, with Milan reportedly keen on bringing him to Serie A.
#3 Emerson Royal
Davide Calabria might be leaving and breathing Milan, but he’s not a Rossoneri caliber. Though the Italian defender wears the armband, his attacking flaws often cost Pioli’s team in moments when they were chasing results. That has to change.
Tottenham’s Emerson Royal has already made it crystal clear he wants to join Milan. Frustrated with a lack of first-team opportunities in North London, he has instructed his agent to secure him a switch to San Siro, with Spurs willing to negotiate his departure on favorable terms.
Milan can’t pass on this opportunity.