From Messias to Origi – Milan have over €40m at stake out on loan

A number of players left AC Milan during the summer transfer window via loan formulas, and there is over €40m riding on how the next few months go.

The headline exits were probably Alexis Saelemaekers and Charles De Ketelaere given they went to clubs within Serie A after tough 2022-23 seasons with Milan, however there are several others concerned. Calciomercato.com have broken down each situation.

Charles De Ketelaere: He went to Atalanta on a €3m paid loan with an option to buy set at €23m plus €4m in bonuses and a 10% resale clause. Gian Piero Gasperini gave him confidence and the start was positive with two goals and two assists.

His performance level then dropped with an injury too, but Atalanta’s idea is to insist on this gamble and a permanent signing remains a real option. It is possible the clubs will negotiate to review the conditions.

Alexis Saelemaekers: The winger headed to Bologna on a €500k paid loan with a €9m option to buy. The Belgian has relaunched himself with Thiago Motta and would gladly remain in Regio-Emilia.

The Rossoblù are not ruling that idea out, and as end of the season approaches their sporting director Sartori will attempt negotiate with Milan to lower the price for the permanent purchase.

Junior Messias: The Brazilian join Genoa on €500k paid loan with an obligation to buy upon the occurrence of certain conditions set at €2.5m. Muscle injuries have so far affected his experience in Liguria (only four appearances).

Despite this, the problems seem to be behind him and the Brazilian wants to contribute to the Grifone’s relaunch. The obligation to buy comes into force once Genoa mathematically achieve survival.

Divock Origi: Joined Nottingham Forest on loan with an option to buy fixed at €4.5m. His return to the Premier League has not gone as expected and he has so far failed to carve out a leading role in a struggling team.

The idea of a permanent move is complicated at the moment, because Forest’s difficulties (they could soon change manager) and the striker’s €4m net per season salary point more towards a return to Milan.

Daniel Maldini: He transferred to Empoli on loan with a €5m option to buy and a buy-back in Milan’s favour at €6m. A muscle problem kept him out of action until the end of October, now he is regaining confidence on the pitch and getting more playing time.

The figure for the permanent deal is high, but at the moment it is too early for the assessments by the Tuscan club who could well see players in his role like Tommaso Baldanzi leave.