MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 17: Sandro Tonali of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 17, 2020 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Tonali Early Frontrunner to Become the Next Milan Captain

Milan will probably have to pick a new captain ahead of next season, and Sandro Tonali is the early favorite in the clubhouse. Alessio Romagnoli is on an expiring contract and is more likely to leave than stay. The same goes for Franck Kessié, who has the second-highest number of appearances within the squad.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the management and the coaching staff will select somebody who has a strong chance to become a true mainstay. The armband has had multiple possessors after the legendary Paolo Maldini retired. Massimo Ambrosini and Ricardo Montolivo each donned it for a few seasons.

The Chinese ownership handpicked Leonardo Bonucci in 2017-2018. He was the most representative player on the roster at the time, but he departed after just one year. Romagnoli was next basically by defeault, mainly because he has played over 200 matches with the team.

Milan will weigh different criteria for the next captain, which could favor Tonali. The brass will go for a well-recognized and potentially long-term leader. The other option is Davide Calabria, the current deputy, who ranks third for most games with the Rossoneri. 

Milan see Tonali as a strong fit due to a few factors. First of all, he is a lifelong fan of the side. Moreover, he prioritized them amid multiple offers after breaking out at Brescia. Finally, he agreed to reduce his salary to facilitate a permanent move last summer. His performances have gone up a level this season, and he has quickly become a fan-favorite.