The current summer transfer window has seen AC Milan facing significant challenges in terms of squad management and tactical adaptations under their new coach, Paulo Fonseca. With the creation of the Milan Futuro initiative, the club has a clearer understanding of which players may not fit into their plans moving forward.
As the squad appears overpopulated, particularly in certain positions, it has become necessary for the club to trim their roster by the end of the transfer period. Four players are notably under scrutiny: Pierre Kalulu, Tommaso Pobega, Yacine Adli, and Ismael Bennacer. Each has seen a shift in their status from being seen as crucial to now being potentially on the way out.
Kalulu’s situation is a product of his injury woes, which have sidelined him for six months due to multiple issues. This has impacted his performance level, contrasting sharply with last season, where he was central to Milan’s defensive strength alongside partner Fikayo Tomori. The arrival of Emerson has further solidified Milan’s desire to enhance their attack, thus allowing Juventus to swoop in for Kalulu.
Pobega’s exit follows a similar narrative. After being excluded from last week’s match against Torino, it was clear that he no longer fits into Fonseca’s plans. The signing of Seko Fofana has bolstered Milan’s midfield, in addition to Fonseca’s praise for Yunus Musah and the emerging talent of Zeroli from the Milan Futuro ranks. Pobega, who is more physical and relies on pace, does not align with the possession-based style that Fonseca is promoting.
Adli’s trajectory at Milan has been perplexing. He appeared to be breaking through as a starter last season but has quickly fallen out of favor. While his attributes might suit Fonseca’s game philosophy, he has struggled with intensity and defensive responsibilities—traits necessary for the role he has been asked to play at Milan.
Bennacer finds himself in a more complex situation. While he is viewed as an integral part of the squad, his previous knee injury that resulted in long recovery time raises concerns. If the right offer were to come from Saudi Arabia, Milan may not hesitate to consider it, especially given the potential exits of Adli and Pobega. In this scenario, the club could look to strengthen their midfield further by pursuing players like Manu Koné.
As the window approaches its closing, all eyes will be on how Milan navigates these changes and whether they can balance the integration of new signings while ensuring they part ways with those no longer fitting into their vision. The developments in the coming days could be telling for the club’s immediate future and competitive aspirations.