CM: Several could depart including Jashari and Ricci in Milan midfield revolution – the details
After reinforcing the attack and defence, AC Milan are expected to make some moves in midfield as the summer window progresses.
As Calciomercato.com report, there are some certainties to begin with. The first is Ismael Bennacer, who – after returning from his loan at Dinamo Zagreb – will terminate his contract with Milan. He will begin new adventure in Qatar, with Al-Shamal SC.
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Another player almost certain to leave is Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The Englishman’s contract expires in 2027 and he is not part of Ruben Amorim’s plans. He could return to the Premier League, where Coventry City and other clubs have made inquiries, with €10m the asking price.
Warren Bondo has returned from his loan at Cremonese but he too is not someone that Amorim deems to be a fit for his tactical system. A price tag of €8m has been set for the Frenchman.
Leaders and talents
Amorim’s position on Luka Modric is clear, and he made it clear again during his presentation press conference: “He’s a player we want to keep, I’ve spoken to him twice. If necessary, I can go and speak to him again, I don’t get tired.
“He’s incredible, he’s a key figure for us. I’m not telling you he’ll play every game, but we want to count on Modric for next season. The board has spoken to him, I’ve spoken to him: I think I’ll have him back in a few days, now he needs to rest after the World Cup.”
The sentiments filtering through point towards the Portuguese coach being satisfied, with the experienced Croatian expected to stay another season.
Meanwhile, Adrien Rabiot should remain too. The aim is to convince him to embrace the new project and ignore the transfer market hype that began immediately after the club failed to qualify for the Champions League.
The future is more uncertain for two other signings from last summer. A year ago, Milan acquired Samuele Ricci from Torino for around €25m, including a fixed fee and bonuses, plus a 10% resale clause. However, the Italian failed to impress in his first season and ended up on the transfer list.
Atalanta have made inquiries, and in the last few hours there has been talk of Atletico Madrid, who are seeking a quality midfielder. The Rossoneri are open to the 24-year-old’s departure, but only with a good offer – lower offers will not be considered.
The same goes for Ardon Jashari, who cost €34m plus €3m in bonuses to sign from Club Brugge. Due to injuries and the presence of Modric his first year in Milan has been less than stellar. Amorim wants to evaluate the Swiss’s abilities, but his agent recently met with management to assess the situation.
The preseason will be useful to determine whether there will be more room for Jashari in the new Milan or whether it would be better to seek an outgoing solution. Atalanta are interested, but at least €30m is needed to avoid a capital loss.
Youssouf Fofana arrived two years ago for around €25m and is now being courted by several clubs in France and Turkey, so he could also leave. In this case too, a significant offer is needed to make a capital gain: €20-25m is Milan’s request.
It’s a different story for Yunus Musah, who is returning from his loan at Atalanta and has a real chance of staying. Amorim wants to evaluate him during the summer preparations, he could be useful both in midfield and as a solution on the wing.
Finally, the youngsters. Kevin Zeroli’s stay is unlikely: he will be monitored but is expected to leave for a new experience. Christian Comotto, however, has a better chance of staying, as Amorim also admitted in the press conference.
“Cissè and Comotto will start with us, I don’t know what will happen. We’ll find new players who weren’t there last year. If they play well, if they absorb my ideas, then we’ll find a place for them.
“Before looking outside, let’s look carefully inside. Then after the preseason we’ll decide, but always with an eye on the budget. The owner is here… We’ll evaluate the young players.”
Everything has therefore been postponed at least for a few weeks, but after a good season at Spezia, Comotto has a chance to carve out a niche in a season that promises to be busy, with a return to European football.
