Milan Overhauls Midfield: Farewell to Returnees Bennacer, Adli, and Pobega. Loftus-Cheek Confirmed, Jashari Primary Transfer Target.
AC Milan`s management team, including Tare, Allegri, and Ibra, quickly reached a consensus on a crucial point: the team`s core, specifically the midfield, needs significant changes. This isn`t just about minor adjustments but a complete reset, as Tare recently stated clearly. He emphasized, “The midfield will be the department where we intervene the most. We have analyzed the profiles and characteristics needed with the coach; we must make the right choice based on what is required. We believe it is important to increase the quality of play.” These are the guiding principles. Approximately ten players are involved, including those currently in the squad, those returning from loans, and market targets. The plan assumes Milan will switch from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3 formation and that the squad size will not exceed 23 players (including goalkeepers). How will the situation evolve? And why is it highly probable that none of the players who have returned to Milanello will remain?
Targets
For now, the names frequently mentioned are the primary targets. Starting with Ricci, who has already signed a four-year contract with an option for a fifth. He`s a deep-lying playmaker type who will mainly be used as a *mezzala* (box-to-box midfielder). Then there`s obviously Modric, listed under `targets` simply because, bureaucratically, he hasn`t signed yet. However, the deal is not in doubt; as soon as Luka finishes the Club World Cup and definitively leaves Real, the medical and contract signing will proceed. For him, in the three-man midfield, a spot in front of the defense is ready. Perhaps not a fixed spot, but his contribution will be crucial nonetheless, bringing experience and class with a complete repertoire. Alongside him, the Rossoneri are very keen to place Ardon Jashari, currently the Diavolo`s primary objective. Tare is making periodic offers to Bruges, and the parties are getting closer, although the Belgian club – as the exhausting De Ketelaere negotiation taught – is a complicated interlocutor. The alternative resides in Valencia and is named Javi Guerra. Xhaka is further away; Milan generally considers him a very welcome profile but less appealing in terms of the proportion between his age (32), transfer fee, and salary.
Returning Players
Three players are returning to the base in midfield, a non-insignificant number with notable names: Bennacer, Adli, and Pobega. Ismael has concluded his loan spell at Marseille, who did not exercise the €12 million purchase option. It was a mixed adventure for him, starting well but significantly declining in intensity. The Algerian can play both in front of the defense and as a *mezzala*, but the Rossoneri club tends to consider his experience at Milanello concluded, just as he himself considered it over when he moved to France. `Isma` had been pushing for a change of scenery for a while. Adli, on the other hand, has returned from Florence, where his purchase option was €10 million. The decision to part ways was mutual; like Bennacer, a strong first half was followed by a second half where his form dropped significantly, and he didn`t regain his post-injury condition. Allegri doesn`t consider him to have the right characteristics for his game, and the club`s message to Yacine was very clear: called up a week after the others and assigned to Milan Futuro in Serie D. Finally, Pobega: Bologna chose not to pay the €12 million purchase option, deeming it excessive. Milan will not keep him; in terms of physical and tactical characteristics, Loftus-Cheek is already in the squad.
Already in the Squad
Ruben is a player looking for redemption on whom the new Rossoneri course is heavily relying. At the peak of his performance, he proved to be a very useful, almost indispensable presence. Allegri wants him to return to those levels, so the Englishman will stay, as will Fofana – which goes without saying. Bondo`s situation needs clarification (he would like to stay), while Musah is officially on the market. Napoli seemed the most probable destination, but dynamics have changed, and now some English options have emerged (Wolverhampton and Nottingham Forest).
